Boilermaker announces plans for 2022 race events

UTICA, N.Y. — The Boilermaker Road Race announced plans to return to its historical July race date this year with a full field of runners.

This year’s races will take place on Sunday, July 10. The 15K race, presented by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, has a capacity of 14,500 participants including the return of professional runners and wheelchair athletes. The 5K race, presented by Utica National, has a capacity of 4,500.

Races were held virtually in 2020 due to the COVID-19, while the 2021 events took place in October.

“After two challenging years, the Boilermaker is eager to get back to our traditional second Sunday in July race date and what we all hope will be a pathway to normalcy,” Boilermaker President Mark Donovan said during a press event. “We are eternally grateful for the unyielding support of our sponsors who have helped carry us through the pandemic and for the opportunity to bring back many of the unique elements of the Boilermaker that combine to make it all so special.”

In addition to a full field of runners, this year’s Boilermaker week will feature multiple community-minded events and challenges including the Youth Olympics, presented by Bank of America; The Boilermaker Kids Run, presented by Utica National; and the Boilermaker Charity Bib Program, presented by Wolfspeed. Several team and individual challenges are planned, including the Corporate Cup, presented by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield; and the High School Challenge and Wheelchair Challenge, sponsored by Sitrin Healthcare.

The Boilermaker Health and Wellness Expo, presented by Mohawk Valley Health System, will take place July 8 from 12-7 p.m. and July 9 from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on the Utica campus of Mohawk Valley Community College. The Saranac post-race party will be open to runners and spectators from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. on race day.

This year’s event also features a new logo commemorating the event’s 45th anniversary. McGrogan Design of Utica designed the logo.

Priority registration, open to runners who completed any of the 2021 races, for the race opens at 12 p.m. on March 3. Open registration begins March 11 and will remain open through July 5 or until the races reach capacity.

A number of health and safety protocols are currently in place for the events but may change if warranted.

“Our goal is to present our runners with a safe and fun atmosphere to run the race,” Donovan said. “Right now, this means that runners need to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of the race, but we are hoping that there will be no need for restrictions by the time July rolls around.”