ELITE ATHLETE

PROGRAM

BOULDERTHON
ELITE ATHLETE PROGRAM

Boulderthon is proud to support an elite athlete program that hosts world-class athletes from our own backyard, as well as internationally competitive runners from around the world. Competition in the elite field is by invitation only, meeting the standards below does not guarantee acceptance into the 2026 elite field.

2026 ELITE QUALIFYING STANDARDS

Qualification standards must be achieved on a USATF-certified course within the last 24 months.

MALE
STANDARDS

MARATHON | 2:30

HALF MARATHON | 1:10

5K RUN | 15:30

FEMALE
STANDARDS

MARATHON | 3:10

HALF MARATHON | 1:28

5K RUN | 19:00

Invitation Only

Meeting the standard does not
guarantee entry.

Within 24 Months

Standards must be met within the
last 24 months.

USATF Certified Courses

Results must be from certified courses.

ATHLETE ELIGIBILITY
& DRUG TESTING

Boulderthon upholds the highest standards of clean competition. Elite athletes may be subject to drug testing, and all prize money is contingent upon final anti-doping clearance.

Zero-Tolerance Anti-Doping Policy

Boulderthon strictly enforces a zero-tolerance anti-doping policy in accordance with USATF and World Athletics regulations.

Mandatory Drug Testing

All elite athletes accepted into the program may be subject to drug testing during the event.

Compliance with International Standards

Athletes must comply with all eligibility rules, anti-doping regulations, and governing body requirements established by World Athletics, USATF, and other applicable national and international organizations.

Prize Money & Eligibility Enforcement

Prize money and incentive bonuses a re awarded only after final drug testing results are confirmed. Athletes who test positive or are returning from a drug suspension are not eligible for recruitment or awards.

AWARDS & PRIZE MONEY

  • Top 10 Overall Finishers receive a Top 10 Finisher Award and 50% off Boulderthon® 2027 for the Half Marathon & Marathon.
  • Top 10 Overall Finishers are determined by Gun Time.
  • Top 3 Male & Top 3 Female Overall Finishers win prize money (see below) for the Half Marathon & 5K
  • Top 3 Overall Awards are based on Gun Time.
  • Age Group Awards are based on Chip Time.
  • Top 10 Overall Finishers are not eligible for Age Group Awards for the Half Marathon & Marathon.
  • There are no Top 10 Finisher Awards, Age Group Awards, or prize money for the BCD Kids Run, 5K, or 10K.
  • Awards will be available 30 minutes after the 1st place finisher in each division (including the protest period).

RACE AWARDS

Compete for top honors and exciting rewards across Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K events. Podium finishers will receive cash prizes, exclusive sponsor gifts, and eligible runners can earn a special bonus for breaking the Colorado State 5K record.

Marathon
Top 3

Male | Oakely Sun Devil Sunglasses, Gift Basket from Superganix

Female | Oakely Sun Devil Sunglasses, Gift Basket from Superganix

Half Marathon
Top 3

Male|
1st $2,000 - 2nd $1.200 - 3rd $800

Female|
1st $2,000 - 2nd $1,200 - 3rd $800

BCH 5K Run
Top 3

Male|
1st $5,000 - 2nd $3,000 - 3rd $2,000

Female|
1st $5,000 - 2nd $3,000 - 3rd $2,000

COLORADO STATE RECORD BREAKER

$10,000 BONUS!

The Boulderthon BCH Heart to Heart 5K wants to hold the Colorado State 5K records, to attract world-class runners to our world-class destination, Boulderthon is excited to post a $10,000 bonus to the top participant (male and female) who break the Colorado State Records. Open to all registered runners! Only the top finishing male and female times who break the current Colorado State 5K record will be awarded.

* The Boulderthon team is currently verifying the fastest 5K time recorded in the State of Colorado.

AGE GROUP AWARDS

Top 3 in each age group receive 50% off Boulderthon 2026 & Age Group Award.

Age Group Awards
(top 3 male and top 3 female)
in each category:

Age Group Awards will be available for pick up at the Runner Info Tent 30 minutes after the first finisher in each age group. Pick up will be available until 4pm on Sunday, October 8th.

Age Group Awards are based on chip time.

If you do not pick up your Award at the race, please email us at support@boulderthon.org to arrange for a time to pick up your award.