This year’s Boulderthon kicked off on Sunday, September 27, with a 5K run dedicated to Bhikkhu Schober
The Boulderthon, now in its sixth year, got under way at 7am on Sunday under a sunny sky, with more than 17,000 runners who had come to Colorado from every state and several countries. They were divided among the full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K and kids’ run. An estimated 400–600 finished the full marathon.
Most races sold out a day or two before the start, including the Heart to Heart 5K, which has been voted one of the top ten runs in its category for the last three years. Although it was completely sold out, with 2,500 tickets sold, many more joined unofficially, with friends running alongside throughout the race.
The 5K was introduced by Dr Srini Iyengar of Boulder Community Health (BCH), which has served the community for 100 years. He explained that the Heart to Heart fund was founded in 2022 by Bhikkhu Schober and Waduda Paradiso, his partner in life, and his partner in many more endeavors, including New Earth Records and countless charities.
“Born from their gratitude and the extraordinary cardiac care provided at BCH, the fund helps patients prevent, treat, and manage heart disease through direct financial assistance, education, and alternative modalities of care and other support. Although Bhikkhu is no longer with us, his love, vision, musical knowledge, and generous spirit will live on through his work,” he said.
“The legacy he and Waduda created will continue touching the lives of all the heart patients and their families for years to come. My friend Bhikkhu. I know you’re not here right now, but I know you’re watching and smiling at every competitor competing in the race today. So thank you.”
As the photograph shows, well-known faces from the sannyas community and the New Earth Records office were there at the start and the finish of the race.
Waduda writes, “Since Bhikkhu left his body unexpectedly on June 18, it’s been a rollercoaster of events honoring our beloved Bhikkhu, and so many of you have been part of that journey and still are. Too many to mention, but you know who you are. Thank you for your love and support. The story continues…”
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