Bolder Boulder race turns 45

State of play: The 2024 race ranked as the fourth largest running event in the country, according to Running USA, a trade organization. The 41,491 finishers represented a nearly 20% increase from the prior year.

• Only the New York City Marathon, Chicago Marathon and Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta are larger.

What they're saying: "It's one of the most special races you can be a part of for any pro athlete," said Drew Hunter, a professional runner on Team USA, in an interview with Denver 7. "Finishing in a stadium with 50,000 people is pretty incredible, especially for us track athletes."

By the numbers: Visit Boulder, the city's booster, estimates last year's race generated $23 million in direct and indirect economic impacts.

• Approximately 87,000 people attended the race and roughly 24,000 stayed overnight in the area, spending millions at local restaurants and retail shops.

The intrigue: This year's race starters are University of Colorado Boulder athletic director Rick George and 100-year-old superfan Peggy Coppom.