BolderBoulder launching Fortitude Labor Day 10K in Fort Collins

FORT COLLINS — Colorado State University and the city of Fort Collins are partnering with organizers of the famed BolderBoulder to create the Fortitude Labor Day 10K Classic — a running race that will end at CSU’s new $220 million on-campus stadium.

CSU, the city, Visit Fort Collins, the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce and BolderBoulder Inc. are partnering on the inaugural event, set for Sept. 4, 2017.

The race will take place shortly before the CSU Rams play their first football game in the new stadium Sept. 9 against Abilene Christian.

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The race will begin near Moby Arena, at the corner of Shields and Elizabeth streets. The route will take runners through Fort Collins, passing landmarks such as City Park and the historic CSU Oval, as well as weaving through picturesque Fort Collins neighborhoods along Mountain Avenue, Sheldon Lake and near Avery Park. The race will finish at Sonny Lubick Field at the stadium.

“The stadium, in many ways, serves as Colorado State University’s primary engagement asset,” Joe Parker, CSU’s director of athletics, said in a prepared statement. “The Fortitude 10K Classic offers a unique opportunity for thousands of people to experience this incredible university and the city of Fort Collins.”

BolderBoulder Inc. has staged the BolderBoulder — considered among the world’s top 10K races — on Memorial Day annually since 1979.

Cliff Bosley, BolderBoulder’s race director, said CSU, the city and his team have spent three years analyzing and discussing how they would work to achieve each of their goals.

“The timing fills a gap for hosting a 10,000-meter race in the fall in Colorado, without crowding the running calendar,” Bosley said.

Race organizers expect to attract nearly 10,000 runners and walkers from throughout the region for the inaugural Fortitude 10K. Among the expected participants is Fort Collins running legend Libby James, who has set numerous age-group world records during her nearly four decades of competitive running.

“I am very excited about the Fortitude 10K,” James said. “I love the course and the way it winds through the neighborhoods, and I love the fact that the BolderBoulder is on Memorial Day and the Fortitude 10K will be on Labor Day, really encompassing the prime running season in Colorado.”

A separate race for elite runners is expected to attract top runners from around the region. Registration opens Nov. 1; information is available at www.fortitude10k.com.