Steve Bosley Inducted into CU Athletic Hall of Fame Legacy Wing
The University of Colorado honored one of its most influential ambassadors on Thursday evening as Steve Bosley, co-founder of the BOLDERBoulder 10K and former CU Regent, was officially inducted into the CU Athletic Hall of Fame Legacy Wing. The ceremony held November 20 on the CU campus in Boulder, celebrated Bosley’s decades-long contributions to the university, CU Athletics, the community, and the state of Colorado.
Bosley joins the Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 induction class, recognized not only for his leadership within CU Athletics but also for his role in elevating Colorado’s culture of running and civic engagement. A longtime community leader and CU alumnus, Bosley has been instrumental in supporting Colorado Athletics through his service on the Board of Regents, his advocacy for student-athletes, and his unwavering commitment to strengthening the university’s statewide impact.
A Legacy Intertwined with Colorado Athletics
Bosley graduated from the University of Colorado in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in real estate (in 2003, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the school, and in 2018, the Leeds School of Business presented him with the Distinguished Alumni Lifetime Service Award). He served 12 years (2005-2016) as a CU Regent, including two years as chair. Bosley coordinated fundraising through the Bank of Boulder, where he served as the president, to send Ralphie and her handlers to the 1977 Orange Bowl in Maimi. The campaign was so successful that they raised the goal over five times with the excess donated to CU athletics for a fund for Ralphie’s care. Bosley and the bank purchased and donated a buffalo calf who became Ralphie II; she replaced the original Ralphie for the 1978 season finale.
His deep belief in the power of education, leadership, and community-building made him a highly respected figure within the CU system.
BOLDERBoulder and CU Build a Lasting Relationship
Beyond the university, Bosley is best known for co-founding the BOLDERBoulder 10K, now regarded as one of the largest and most celebrated road races in the world. Since its inaugural running in 1979, the event has become a Memorial Day tradition that unites more than 45,000 participants each year and brings thousands into Folsom Field—CU’s own home turf—to finish the race in front of a roaring crowd. After the 1980 race, which finished at Boulder High School, Bosley was approached by then-CU athletic director Eddie Crowder, who had an idea to have the race culminate inside Folsom Field. Bosley agreed and a relationship that remains to this day was born with over 1.5 million runners, joggers and walkers crossing the line on the CU campus over the years. Official starters of the race have included several CU luminaries including CU Superfan Miss Peggy and Chancellor Justin Schwartz last year and CU Hall of Fame inductees Emma Coburn and Jenny Simpson Barringer.
“Steve Bosley has made an extraordinary impact on the University of Colorado—not just through his service as a Regent, but through the spirit of community he helped create with the BOLDERBoulder,” said CU Athletic Director Rick George. “His legacy is woven into Colorado’s identity.”
A Builder of Community; Boulder and Beyond
During Thursday’s ceremony, speakers highlighted Bosley’s uncommon vision: the belief that sport can build community, elevate civic pride, and create traditions that last for generations. In 1996 he served as the senior referee for the men’s and women’s marathons at the Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. He was selected in the inaugural class of Running USA’s Hall of Champions in 2004, inducted into the Colorado Running Hall of Fame in in 2008 and received an “Honorary C” letter from CU Athletics in 2017
He has coached youth soccer, YMCA basketball and Odyssey of the Mind, was a founding member of the Boulder Options youth-at-risk program and was a Boy Scouts volunteer and adviser.
Bosley expressed deep gratitude for the honor, reflecting on the role CU has played in his life. “To be inducted into the CU Athletics Hall of Fame is an overwhelming honor,” Bosley said. “This university helped shaped who I am, and being recognized alongside so many extraordinary Buffs is truly humbling. I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to a place and a community that has meant so much to me.”
A Fitting Place in CU History
Bosley’s induction reflects an extraordinary career defined by service, innovation, and dedication to the people of Colorado. His leadership has influenced generations of students, athletes, and community members, and his legacy will continue to inspire future Buffs.
Bosley is the father of five children – including son Cliff who serves as the race director of the BOLDERBOULDER, daughter Elizabeth who serves as the race’s chief of staff, and son Ted who has run every BOLDERBoulder starting at the age of 6, in 1979. – and 13 grandchildren
For more information on the CU Athletics Hall of Fame, visit cubuffs.com.