Thermal leggings have been traded in for gym shorts, long-sleeve undershirts have been shed, and beanies and ear warmers have been swapped for sunglasses and copious amounts of sunscreen. Spring is here in Boulder!
While this change of seasons will still likely mean sporadic springtime weather and, let’s face it, the ever-present chance of random snow (it is still Colorado after all,) for runners, hikers, bikers, and other active-minded Boulderites, this also means the return of the combination of sunshine and sport that is ubiquitous to this town.
Boulderites certainly don’t cease their athletic activities during the winter months, but springtime is also marked by Boulder’s Dash N’ Dine 5k Series. This “spring training” series held throughout April and May combines competition, community building, and a spectrum of athleticism that is fun, family-friendly, and a continuous venue in which to get back into the groove of getting out and getting racing in a competitive environment.
Held at Boulder Reservoir, the Dash N’ Dine 5k Series consists of six Tuesday night 5k races throughout April and May complete with post race cookouts, awards ceremonies, raffle prizes, and more. Put on by Without Limits Productions, these races attract top runners looking to set a personal record, beginning runners looking to finish their first 5k, families looking for an active and fun night out with the kids (and their pups!), and everything in between.
With an out and back course along the shore of Boulder Reservoir, participants have the opportunity to strive to be recognized with awards in their age groups or to simply take a leisurely walk or jog with the promise of a delicious barbeque at the finish line. Participants can register for multi-day race packs or for single day events, and dinner tickets for those who aren’t able to compete are also available. There are volunteer opportunities for each event and, if you volunteer at one of the races, your registration for the next race will be free of charge. Award ceremonies at the end of each individual race honor top finishers in a variety of age groups, and series awards for participants who run in at least four of the six races include recognition for top finishers in the categories of Young Guns (ages 39 and under) and Masters (ages 40 and over.) The Without Limits Staff also keeps an eye on repeat participants throughout the series and awards one athlete with the Most Improved Award on the day after the final race, an added incentive for runners looking to track their progress and to push themselves as we head into the summer.
For each registered participant throughout the series, Without Limits Productions will also make a one dollar donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that supports injured military service men and women and their families during both their rehabilitation and their return to civilian life, likewise linking this welcoming and exciting community event to a wonderful cause.
The return of the Dash N’ Dine race series also means that Boulder’s famous BolderBoulder 10k on Memorial Day is quickly approaching. For those runners looking to qualify into one of the top 30 waves of the BolderBoulder race, any of the Dash N’ Dine 5k races also serve as qualifying races for this May 25th event.
The dates for the Dash N’ Dine 5k races this year are April 7th, 14th, and 21st, and May 5th, 12th, and 19th. Dogs are welcome at these events on each of these dates except for the May 19th race, and pre-event on-site registration begins at 5:00 P.M. on each race day. On each of these dates, the 5k event itself begins at 6:30 P.M. and the post-race cookout begins at 7:15 P.M.
