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Boulder, Colorado·10K· Memorial Day (last Monday of May)

Bolder Boulder Weather & What to Wear

A Memorial Day 10K at 5,300 feet that finishes inside Folsom Field. Dry mountain air, strong sun, and a wide swing between the start and finish.

By Brett Heimlich, part-time runner.

The quick answer

Plan for about 49°F (9°C) at the 07:00 start, feeling like 45°F (7°C), with 79% humidity and 5 mph wind, warming to roughly 61°F (16°C) by the finish. It rained on 7 of the last 10 race days. Wear: Long Sleeve Tech Shirt, Capris or Light Tights, Running Cap, Waterproof Jacket.

Average start

49°F (9°C)

Average finish

61°F (16°C)

Rain days

7 of 10 years

Start range

41° to 54°F

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Race-day weather, 2016 to 2025

Conditions at the 07:00 start on the race's usual date each year (memorial Day (last Monday of May)). Years when the race was cancelled or moved still show that date's weather. Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 archive.

YearStart tempFeels likeFinishHumidityWindRainSky
202547°F (8°C)44°F55°F95%4 mph0.57 inOvercast
202451°F (11°C)45°F69°F56%7 mph–Clear
202352°F (11°C)49°F70°F71%3 mph–Clear
202249°F (9°C)43°F56°F56%5 mph0.12 inDrizzle
202147°F (8°C)45°F50°F89%2 mph0.08 inDrizzle
202041°F (5°C)37°F54°F88%4 mph–Clear
201946°F (8°C)43°F57°F83%3 mph0.31 inOvercast
201854°F (12°C)52°F60°F95%5 mph0.18 inMostly clear
201749°F (9°C)44°F61°F73%5 mph0.16 inClear
201649°F (9°C)44°F73°F82%7 mph0.06 inClear

Coldest start: 41°F (5°C) in 2020. Warmest: 54°F (12°C) in 2018. Wettest: 0.57 in in 2025.

What to wear for a typical Bolder Boulder

Built from the 10-year average start conditions by the same engine as the live tool. Treat optional items as corral-only layers you can shed.

Upper body

  • essential

    Long Sleeve Tech Shirt

    Breathable moisture-wicking fabric

  • essential

    Waterproof Jacket

    Breathable rain protection

Lower body

  • essential

    Capris or Light Tights

    3/4 length for moderate warmth

Accessories

  • recommended

    Light Gloves

    Thin running gloves

  • recommended

    Headband

    Ear coverage without overheating

  • essential

    Running Cap

    Keep rain out of eyes

Footwear

  • recommended

    Trail or Waterproof Shoes

    Better grip and water resistance

Race-day tips for the Bolder Boulder

  • •This is near-ideal racing weather. Dress as if it were 15°F warmer than the start temperature and resist the urge to add a layer.
  • •Expect roughly a 12°F climb from the start to the finish. Dress for the finish, not the corral, and plan to shed anything you start in.
  • •Humidity here is high. Sweat will not evaporate well, so wear the lightest, most open fabric you own and apply anti-chafe balm generously.
  • •It has rained on 7 of the last 10 race days. Pack a brimmed cap and a disposable poncho for the start, and consider a second pair of socks for the drop bag.
  • •Nothing new on race day: run your long runs in exactly what you plan to race in, including the socks.

Race-day gear picks

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Frequently asked questions

What is the weather usually like for the Bolder Boulder?

Over 2016 to 2025 the start averaged 49°F (9°C) (feels like 45°F (7°C)) with 79% humidity and 5 mph wind, warming to about 61°F (16°C) by the finish. It rained measurably on 7 of those 10 race days. The coldest start was 41°F (5°C) in 2020; the warmest was 54°F (12°C) in 2018.

What should I wear for the Bolder Boulder?

For a typical 49°F (9°C) start: Long Sleeve Tech Shirt, Capris or Light Tights, Running Cap, Waterproof Jacket. Dress for about 15°F warmer than the start temperature, since the race itself adds that much, and plan to shed anything you only need in the corral.

When is the next Bolder Boulder?

The Bolder Boulder is usually held on memorial Day (last Monday of May). The next expected date is Monday, May 31, 2027. Confirm on the official site, since dates occasionally move.

How accurate is the race-day forecast?

The live forecast on this page comes from Open-Meteo and unlocks 16 days before the race. Forecasts inside 7 days are reliable for temperature within a few degrees; rain timing firms up in the last 2 to 3 days. Until then, the 10-year history above is the best planning guide.

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