Boilermaker Road Race

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Boilermaker Road Race

Based in Utica, NY, we are the World's Best 15K Road Race, presented by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield! Join us this July! Reed.
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The Boilermaker Road Race was established in 1978 by Earle C. Reed was looking for a way to give back to the community that had supported his family's business, Utica Radiator (now ECR International). The 15K road race, presented by Excellus BlueCross Blue Shield, began with just 876 runners and a budget of $750. In 1983, renowned distance runner, Bill Rodgers, not only participated but won the race with a time of 44:38. Rodgers elevated the race by bringing both national exposure and credibility to the event. Since then, the Boilermaker has attracted elite runners from all over the world, including Olympians and world record holders. In fact, the Boilermaker has been named by the Analytical Distance Runner as the most competitive 15K road race in the world. Today, the Boilermaker road race hosts over 17,000 runners per year. Boilermaker Weekend offers events for participants of every age and skill level. It has grown to include fitness and special events, such as a 5K Race, a 3 Mile Walk, a Kids' Run, a Community Mile, Youth Olympics, a Health and Fitness Expo, and more. Designed around the weekend's crown jewel, the Boilermaker 15K Road Race, Boilermaker Weekend promotes a healthy lifestyle with a focus on fun, family, and community spirit!

09/10/2026

Today's guest on the Mile Marker podcast is Joe Wilczynski, one of the seven Boilermaker perennial runners. Joe has run every Boilermaker Road Race since 1978 and has no plans to stop any time soon!

We chat all things Boilermaker 1978 - from the weather to the course support to the Post-Race Party. Joe also shares his passion for running clubs like the Mohawk Valley Hill Striders and programs like Go The Distance, as well as his tips, so we can all continue running for 50+ years.

Listen to the episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2djVuvhBrmUycx8BJZDTs6?si=wO6HlafzTXq3TOfRfndRXA

📸 : A selection of Joe's photos from 50 years of the Boilermaker! The first photo is from 1978 - complete with cotton Converse t-shirt and sweatband!

09/09/2026

Registration for the Boolermaker Kids Run presented by GPO Federal Credit Union opens in just 5 days!

Join us Saturday, October 24 at Proctor Park for a Halloween-themed kids run for ages 4-13! All participants receive a t-shirt, finisher’s medal, and goody bag (complete with a trip down Trick-or-Treat street 👻). Plus, enjoy fun pre-run activities from FUN Foamfest and more!

Registration opens Monday, September 14 at 10am at runsignup.com/boolermaker!

09/07/2026

work hard, party harder 🤘🍻

Wishing you a safe and happy Labor Day!

09/04/2026

Save 25% on Boilermaker merch with code LABORDAY at shop.boilermaker.com!

Save on 2026 apparel, or stack the code with already discounted 2024 and 2025 items to save up to 75%! Choose from shipping or local pick-up at our Court Street offices.

Long weekend 🤝 long run 🤝 new gear. It just makes sense!

🛍️ shop.boilermaker.com 🛍️

09/03/2026

Something spooky 👻 this way comes ✨

The Boolermaker Kids Run presented by GPO Federal Credit Union returns on Saturday, October 24 at 10am!

Save the date for a Halloween-themed fun run for kids ages 4-13 at Proctor Park. All runners receive a t-shirt, goody bag (featuring treats from Hannaford Supermarkets & more!), and a finisher's medal for participating! The cost is $10.

Registration opens Monday, September 14. More details coming next week!

09/01/2026

This year's Charity Bib Program was incredible! 🙌 Runners raised $60,000 for nonprofits doing vital work in our community.

Sending our sincere thanks to all of our Charity Bib runners and our 2026 Charity Bib Partners: The Jaime Hawkins George Foundation, Parkinson's Foundation, Young Scholars LPP of Utica, HumaneCNY, Project Purple, Griffin's Guardians, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Abraham House, EB Research Partnership, The Neighborhood Center, Inc., and Mohawk Valley Latino Association.

Running for a cause is an extra special accomplishment, and we're so appreciative 🙏

08/28/2026

Mentally, I'm here ☀️ 🍺

08/26/2026

Running is better with friends 👯‍♂️ We love seeing all the run clubs that bring their crews to the Boilermaker each year!

Tag your run club in the comments! 👏

📸: Risucci Media LLC

08/24/2026

Every year, we love following WKTV NEWSChannel 2's Go The Distance program. Seeing runners take on the Boilermaker for the first time with the support of the Mohawk Valley Hill Striders is so special.

Congratulations to the 2026 Go the Distance Class! 🥳 We can't wait to see you on next year's start line!

08/21/2026

This year, our seven perennial runners conquered their 49th Boilermaker Road Race!

Rick Watkajtys, Joe Wilczynski, Ed Newman, Paul Huening, Larry DiCesare, Daniel DeFrees, and Bob Bluey all finished the 15K presented by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield this year for the 49th time! 👏

Our sources tell us they're all coming back to conquer #50 too 😉 Congratulations on an amazing accomplishment!

📸: FinisherPix

Address

Utica, NY

Telephone

+13157975838

Website

http://www.boilermaker.com/

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