Boulderthon Announces New Operations Partners Blistering Pace and L27 for 2025 Event

February 5, 2025

Michelle La Sala and Brian Lyons to co-lead production and operations for an elevated racing experience

BOULDER, Colo. (February 5, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ — After a year of record-breaking growth in 2024, Boulderthon, presented by PUMA, has announced new leadership and operations support as the event turns its eyes toward the 2025 race on Sept. 28. Michelle La Sala of Blistering Pace and Brian Lyons of L27 will partner to oversee all aspects of Boulderthon’s production and operations. Registration for the event is now open at www.boulderthon.org.

“Last year, we hit a major milestone – Boulderthon became one of the top 100 largest running events in the country with nearly 10,000 participants,” said Alexa Squillaro, event director of Boulderthon, presented by PUMA. “To unlock our next phase of continued high growth, the Boulderthon team and I knew it was time to bring in an expert team with proven ability to lead events of great size and scope. We thank Michelle, Blistering Pace, Brian and L27 for the opportunity to move into the future of Boulderton together!”

La Sala is an experienced race director with current posts at the San Francisco Half Marathon, the Big Sur International Marathon and the Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon. She is a noted industry leader with a twenty-year-long career in running which includes the launch of Blistering Pace Race Management in 2016. Her resume also comprises work with the Los Angeles Marathon, the New York Road Runners and the Sacramento Running Association.

“With a spectacular setting in Boulder and increasing notoriety in such a short amount of time, I am thrilled to add Boulderthon to the Blistering Pace operational portfolio,” said La Sala. “I look forward to working with Alexa and Brian to support event growth, create operational efficiencies, and offer an unparalleled race experience for the running community.”

Lyons brings over 17 years of expertise in event production, specializing in mass participation events, brand activations and business development. He has a track record of leading large operations teams, overseeing complex operational planning, managing programs and driving organizational growth through expansion and rebranding initiatives. Lyons’ experience spans business development roles in both the endurance event industry and the fitness technology sector. His resume includes organizations like GO! St. Louis, Running USA, and Sweatworks.

“L27 is proud to partner with Boulderthon, supporting Alexa’s vision of establishing a world-class marathon in Boulder,” said Lyons. “Collaborating with Alexa and Michelle, we are excited to bring our expertise and passion for events to elevate Boulderthon, delivering an unforgettable experience for runners and the Boulder community.”

Squillaro will transition into the role of event director, overseeing these new partnerships and providing continuity. She will continue to lead marketing, sales and sponsorships for Boulderthon.

Boulderthon, presented by PUMA, offers five distances for participants to take part in, the marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K and Kids Run. Boulderthon’s marathon and half marathon courses will take participants through different landscapes set at the foothills of the Flatirons, with views of the Boulder Reservoir, Table Mountain and Haystack Mountain along their way. The fast, flat course features limited elevation change and multiple straightaways, making for high-quality race day performances. The 10K presented by Cheribundi course will run participants through the streets of Boulder showcasing the scenic town, before leading them to Downtown Boulder for the iconic finish on the historic Pearl Street Mall. The Heart to Heart 5K by BCH will feature an all-road, fast and flat experience for all participants, allowing for wheelchair athletes and those utilizing wheeled vehicles, like duo runners, to take part in the event.

The top-rated, fast-growing multi-distance event became the second-largest race in Colorado in its first year of existence, and the largest fall running event in the state. In its fourth annual edition, Boulderthon drew nearly 10,000 runners from all 50 states as well as 22 countries. This secured its entry into the list of the top 100 largest running events in the country, as reported by RunSignUp. In 2023, Active.com named Boulderthon one of the Top 5 Best Half Marathons in the United States, and the following year the 5K and half marathon courses were both named a top 10 in their categories by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice awards.

For more information on Boulderthon, presented by PUMA, visit www.boulderthon.org, and follow the event on Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT BOULDERTHON® PRESENTED BY PUMA

Boulderthon, presented by PUMA, was created in 2021 by avid New York Road Runner, Phil Dumontet, with the goal of bringing a world-class marathon to one of the great running hubs of the country. It is a Boston Marathon Qualifying (BQ), USATF Sanctioned Event, measured by a Level A USATF Course Measurer, representing the highest level of certification for a marathon race. The race offers a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K and children’s races. For more information, visit www.boulderthon.org.

ABOUT BLISTERING PACE RACE MANAGEMENT

Founded in 2016, BPRM works in a variety of race management capacities, ranging from staffing to full operational oversight. Other clients include the Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon, Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon (10K & 5K), Chicago Event Management, and the New York Road Runners. For more information, visit www.blisteringpace.com.

ABOUT L27

L27 Consulting, founded in 2023 by Brian Lyons, specializes in enhancing event operations through strategic partnerships with events and aligned agencies. The consultancy provides comprehensive operational planning designed to streamline processes, optimize event execution, and drive innovation in event management. With a focus on efficiency and seamless coordination, L27 Consulting is dedicated to delivering high-quality solutions for events.