The City of Boulder estimated the 2023 BOLDERBoulder race brought in around $18.8 million in direct and indirect impact to the area, according to a recent report conducted by Visit Boulder — the official destination marketing organization for the race.

And with the 2024 BOLDERBoulder just under three months away, race organizers are busy preparing for this year’s race along with local businesses who are frequented by race participants and their families during the Memorial Day weekend. Registration numbers are trending higher than in recent years, too.

“We have also known the race has benefitted the local economy and are thrilled to now understand the exact impact the race has for the local businesses,” Race Director Cliff Bosley said.

According to Visit Boulder, the BOLDERBoulder is the key event marking the beginning of the busy summer season for visitors and supports over 9,500 jobs with the strongest impact in lodging, food and beverage, and retail spending.

The report projected 80,088 people came to Boulder for the race, with that number including race participants, family members of those participating, spectators, and event staff.

“The BOLDERBoulder is more than simply a joyous kick-off to a summer of athletic pursuits,” CEO and President John Tayer said in a news release. “It’s the launch to Boulder’s summer visitor season, with enormous benefits to our local businesses and economy.”

The report also indicated $3.9 million was spent on overnight accommodations, with more than 20,000 overnight stays in the Boulder area. Adding to that, $3.3 million was spent at area restaurants and an additional $2.7 million in retail spending was attributed to those in town for the event.

In 2023, 40,044 people registered to compete in the race with 35,007 finishers, making it the largest number of participants since 2019.

“The BOLDERBoulder is a community tradition that CU Boulder is proud to support now and into the future,” Chancellor at the University of Colorado Boulder Phil DiStefano said in the release. “Finishing at Folsom Field, the home of Coach Prime and the place where Ralphie runs, is an incredible treat for participants. But the race’s economic impact, coupled with the international exposure that it grants our campus, are what truly set this event apart.”

The 2024 BOLDERBoulder will be held on Monday, May 27. Registration is open now.