Like many others in the world in 2020, Cliff Bosley had some tough moments of uncertainty.

For the first time since its inception in 1979, the annual Bolder Boulder had to be canceled that year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was canceled again in 2021 because of the pandemic.

“It was in that timeframe we were wondering what the future might bring, and we were also making decisions on how to best pare down the organization,” said Bosley, the race director and son of founder Steve Bosley.

As Bosley and his team prepares for this year’s Bolder Boulder, to be held Monday, he is proud that the longtime tradition is not only back for the third consecutive year but also returning to pre-pandemic levels.

“It’s so good from the standpoint that now COVID is behind us,” Bosley said. “Maybe it was a year ago, but sometimes it takes a bit of time for things to fully adjust. I think they’re adjusted.”

In the last Bolder Boulder before the pandemic, in 2019, there were 47,250 entrants, and the event had topped 50K in 10 of 13 years from 2007-2019.

When the Bolder Boulder returned in 2022, there were 33,991 entrants — the lowest number since 1991. Last year, there were 40,044 and this year organizers are expecting more than 45,000 — a significant sign that the event is fully back on track.

“That we got to break 40,000 last year, that was a big step from the prior year,” Bosley said. “I’m not exactly sure where it’s going to end up, but we’re prepared for upwards of 45,000 or maybe 46,000. That’s another good indicator in terms of just the interest that we’re hearing. I think this year will feel even more like the race did (before COVID).”

From its beginning 45 years ago, the Bolder Boulder has always been about the community and those who enjoy running, competitively or for fun. So, during the COVID years, Bosley and his team made sure to continue connecting with their fan base.

While there were three full years between the 2019 and 2022 races, the Bolder Boulder held virtual races and events to remain engaged. That, Bosley said, has paid off as the race has grown again after the pandemic.

“What it allowed us to see was that we could innovate with virtual events and kind of challenges and still stay connected to the fan base and keep the fan base a priority,” Bosley said. “I think that serves us very well today, because the fan base is back.”

It’s absolutely back, as the numbers indicate. And, all that makes the Bolder Boulder special will be on display.

As usual, the Bolder Boulder will feature an impressive field for the International Pro Team Challenge. That field includes defending champions Conner Mantz on the men’s side and Emily Durgin on the women’s side.

Mantz and training partner Clayton Young will both participate before heading off to Paris for the Olympics this summer.

“I’m so excited for these guys to be here and to race, and honored that this is something that’s important enough that’s on their schedule before they go race at the Olympics,” Bosley said.

Overall, Bosley said the pro field is “very impressive” for men and women.

After the race, the Memorial Day celebration will feature Denver 7’s Mike Nelson as emcee. Nelson, who is retiring from Channel 7 later this year, has been a part of the Bolder Boulder since 2009.

“That’s always sort of a familiar touch point that I think makes people smile,” Bosley said.

The celebration will also honor veterans with a special United States Marine Corps rifle team, a joint flyover with F-16s from the Colorado Air National Guard and F-35s from the Marines, a 33-piece military ceremonial band and skydivers carrying flags for each branch of the military.

For Bosley, the day figures to be special, as it will carry some emotions and pride as he sees this annual tradition thrive once again.

“Coming out of COVID and when we were coming out of the pandemic, to be where we are, gosh, running at the Bolder Boulder is still something people want to do,” he said.