On the last Sunday each September, the Nike Boulder Backroads Marathon & Half Marathon begins at 7:00 a.m. at the Boulder Reservoir. Boulder mornings can be chilly (low 40's) so bring warm clothing and gloves for the start. Come race morning this normally quiet stretch of road will be transformed into a hub of activity with both runners and volunteers counting down the moments to the Start. Following the bagpipes playing the National Anthem, the race begins!

Mile 1

The first mile is passed with the Boulder Reservoir on the right. The air is crisp and chilly and there is a lot of talking and laughter
between runners as they settle into the miles ahead.

Mile 2

Mile 2 takes runners past open fields just plowed for the fall, fields of sunflowers and corn and horses and cattle.

Mile 3

At Mile 3, runners travel up Niwot road, past giant cottonwood trees and well-appointed homes and farms.

Mile 4

Mile 4 provides expansive views of Haystack Mountain, and a large polo pony farm, leading runners over a small bridge spanning the gurgling 4 Mile Creek.

Mile 5

At mile 5 runners pass more open fields, framed by a wide view of the Front Range’s snow-covered Indian Peak wilderness. Donkeys and horses frolic in the pasture near the organic flower farm.

Mile 6

By Mile 6 runners have passed 2 aid stations and are approaching the third, which also serves the half marathon runners and walkers. The views of the Front Range are wide open now, and the climb up to Nelson road looms ahead.

Mile 7

Mile 7 marks the start of a long gradual rise. This hill shouldn't prove too taxing if taken gradually. The skies are filled with fluffy white clouds and the breeze, if any, will come from the west, carrying with it the promise of a tailwind for the 2 miles down Nelson road that lies ahead.

Mile 8

Just past the Mile 8 marker, the gentle hill of Nelson road dips once more, carrying runners forward toward the turn at 55th Street. A horse boarding farm lies on the right, and more ranches and homes dip toward the north, looking toward Longmont.

Mile 9

A little farther down Nelson road, runner pass Mile 9, and looking north, can see the outlines of Rabbit Mountain. It’s a fast mile, Mile 9, and the time passes quickly here.

Mile 10

Mile 10 offers a great view of the Table Mountain antenna fields. These dishes are listening for signals from deep space. Maybe they can also hear the cheers and applause from the aid station volunteers as they cheer the runners on up the hill ahead.

Mile 11

Mile 11 takes runners up a short steep hill, but the quiet, soft-packed dirt road, while challenging, offers pretty views of late summer wildflowers.

Mile 12

At Mile 12 runners crest the hill and begin the journey down a winding country road, toward Oxford Road and the aid station just ahead.

Mile 13

Mile 13 finds runners heading down Oxford Road, on the backside of Haystack Mountain. A long view east allows runners to view the fields and farms spread out ahead.

Mile 14

Mile 14 finds runners swiftly making their way down Oxford Road, passing over the canal filled with rushing water and banked with wildflowers, birds, and tall native grasses.

Mile 15

At Mile 15, runners come upon a lively aid station and more beautiful scenery, with giant old cottonwood trees and quiet farm fields. Just ahead, on the left, lies Niwot Cemetery, where some of Boulder County’s early pioneers rest in peace!

Mile 16

At Mile 16, another jog in the road leads runners to Nimbus, aptly named since on most Backroads race days, the skies are filled with huge, billowing nimbus and cumulus clouds, sometimes reaching 50,000 feet into the bright blue skies.

Mile 17

Mile 17 is the turnaround point for the marathoners. The aid station is near a giant cottonwood tree on the right. To the west, runners enjoy a great view of the Front Range and the Indian Peaks wilderness area, which is snowcapped all year round.

Mile 18

At Mile 18, runners begin the steady but gradual uphill return on Nimbus and then Oxford Road. With luck, a gentle tailwind will appear and push runners up the quiet dirt roads ahead.

Mile 19

Mile 19 brings some shady relief to the bright sunshine on Nimbus road. On either side of the road, tall cottonwoods, lilac bushes, walnut trees and bunches of blue and yellow wildflowers offer silent encouragement as runners prepared to hit the hill ahead.

Mile 20

At Mile 20, traditionally known as “The Wall,” runners can test themselves, both against the road and the cattle grazing in the fields to the north. The pace is even but steady, as runners approach an upcoming aid station filled with cheering volunteers who await their arrival with big smiles and lots of refreshing, tasty goodies!

Mile 21

Reaching Mile 21, runners can see a tiny hill ahead, framed by the majestic backdrop of the Rockies. The road underfoot is soft and the pace picks up a bit, as runners anticipate turning the corner ahead and heading back down 49th Street on the return to the finish line.

Mile 22

At Mile 22, watch the horses in the big field on the north gallop alongside the runners as they approach yet another aid station on the bridge spanning Fourmile Creek ahead.

Mile 23

Back on 55th Street, the going is steady and sure. Runners are greeted by another aid station stocked with cool drinks, Clif Shot, pretzels, bananas and other
treats, plus smiling volunteers who offer encouragement to the runners as they close in on the finish.

Mile 24

Back on 55th Street, the going is steady and sure. Runners are greeting by another aid station stocked with cool drinks, Clif Shot, pretzels, bananas and other treats, plus smiling volunteers who offer encouragement to the runners as they close in on the finish.

Mile 25

Mile 25 means chirping prairie dogs, the gentle, cooling breeze off the Reservoir, a short downhill stretch (much appreciated!), and the anticipation of the finish line ahead!

Mile 26

Mile 26 approaches and with it one last tiny hill, but don’t be discouraged – you’re almost there! Friends and family and volunteers stand at the top of the entrance to Reservoir, cheering and hooting and hollering words of encouragement and praise, as runners make the hill, turn left, and barrel down the short straightaway to the finish line!

The Finish!

Runners reach the finish line, receive their finisher medallion, and head out the chute where cold bottles of Eldorado Artesian water, bananas and other treats are offered. After stretching out and getting hugs and high-fives from friends and families, head over to the Food tent and the beer tent, where loads of great food, beer and, new this year, a commemorative pint glass await the happy runner - Congratulations!