Boilermaker drops COVID restrictions for race participation

UTICA, N.Y. — Boilermaker officials have lifted COVID restrictions for participation in all its road races on July 10.

With these changes, participants no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test prior to race day to take part in either the Boilermaker 15K run, 5K run, or 15K wheelchair race.

“We have been closely monitoring the path of COVID-19 since February of 2020, and our priority has always been the safety of our participants, staff, volunteers, and community,” Boilermaker President Mark Donovan said in a news release. “When we opened registration in March, our policy was in line with what had become the standard for events of all sizes and with all city and state guidelines. Shortly afterwards, the standard changed, and we have seen large scale events being held safely with zero restrictions locally, regionally, and nationally.”

Anyone not comfortable participating in person can opt to run a virtual race for the 15K or 5K instead. This “Home-Edition” allows participants to run on a course of their choosing between July 1 and noon on July 10. They will receive their pint glass and finisher’s medal or pin by mail.

“In the interest of public health, we continue to encourage all to follow standard COVID precautions at this year’s Boilermaker events,” Donovan added. “In addition, we will continue to assess public health conditions, governmental actions, and guidelines and will issue policy revisions should they become necessary.”