Utica Boilermaker's return to normal: What you need to know

Noah Ram, Observer-Dispatch
·4 min read

For three years, COVID-19 starved Utica residents of the full experience that typically arrives the second Sunday in July.

This year, the annual spectacle that is the Boilermaker makes its full-fledged return.

The race was organized in an adjusted format in 2021. It was moved to Oct. 10, required a negative COVID test to compete and featured only runners from the U.S. and Canada. However, the COVID restrictions have vanished, and the event expects to return to its normal state.

Stephen Rathbun comes in first place for the men's category for the 15K during the 2021 Boilermaker Road Race on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021 in Utica.
Stephen Rathbun comes in first place for the men's category for the 15K during the 2021 Boilermaker Road Race on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021 in Utica.

In total, 10,383 runners have signed up as of the afternoon of July 1, according to Scott Gwilt, Boilermaker Marketing Director. Of those 10,383, 7,521 will run in the 15K and 2,658 will run in the 5K.

While that total number ranks well below the 15,535 runners in 2019, it is above the 7,290 who ran in last year’s altered race.

The 5K begins at 7:15 a.m. July 10, the wheelchair race at 7:45 a.m. and the 15K at 8 a.m.

Last years race:Boilermaker results: Syracuse native is 1st person with area ties to win race since 1982

The start line for the Boilermaker Road Race in the early hours of Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. Runners were preparing for the 44th race.
The start line for the Boilermaker Road Race in the early hours of Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. Runners were preparing for the 44th race.

Despite the elimination of COVID protocols, the virtual Boilermaker returns this year. Runners can submit their results until 11:59 a.m. July 10.

The Boilermaker walk also occurs for the first time in five years. The walk collaborates with the Olmsted 200 this year. Anyone who registers for the 5K or 15K can participate in the walk, which happens at noon Saturday.

Boilermaker Walk returns:The Boilermaker walk returns after a four-year hiatus with a new mission

Runners can pick up their packets at the Boilermaker Health and Wellness Expo at MVCC from noon to 7 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

Here’s what else you need to know:

Race route

The race returns to its normal route for 2022. The 9.3-mile 15K starts at Culver Avenue near Beechgrove Place. The 3.1-mile 5K kicks off at the Burrstone Road Bridge near York Street, and the wheelchair begins at the same spot as the 15K.

As usual, all races end at the F.X. Matt/Saranac Brewery, where the post-race party will be held.

Boilermaker post-race party details

One of the most unique aspects of the Boilermaker experience is the large post-race party on the grounds of the Saranac Brewery.

From left, Ron Johnson, Dick Doran, Tom Scott, Wes Chadbourne and two more of their fellow Massachusetts compatriots toast their post race Saranac beers to the 26th Annual 15k Utica Boilermaker Road Race at the post race party in July, 2003.
From left, Ron Johnson, Dick Doran, Tom Scott, Wes Chadbourne and two more of their fellow Massachusetts compatriots toast their post race Saranac beers to the 26th Annual 15k Utica Boilermaker Road Race at the post race party in July, 2003.

After last year’s party was restricted to only registered runners, this year’s extravaganza is open to the public. The free event runs four hours from 8 a.m. to noon. Gwilt said the early start time is to accommodate the 5K entrants, who will be finished by 8 a.m.

“We want the whole community to come and cheer on our runners and be part of the race, whether they ran in it or not, have a beer and enjoy the entertainment” Gwilt said.

Entertainment lines Boilermaker course

The revelry is not limited to the post-race party. Gwilt said 32 entertainers will line the course, most are DJs.

“Every mile, there are three to four entertainers. We don’t even want runners to use headphones,” he said.

Best spots for Boilermaker spectators

While the view of the race is breathtaking at many spots, certain highlights rank above others.

Places to Watch:The Boilermaker returns to Utica in person Sunday. Here are the best spots to watch from

FT Proctor Park, near the start of the race, features Let’s Jam DJ at nearby Willows.

Along Memorial Parkway, Valley View Golf Course is where runners turn onto the edge of Roscoe Conkling Park. Overlook Point, within the park, offers excellent views of the runners and the city.

Runners make their way down The Parkway during the historic 44th Annual Boilermaker Road Race, Oct. 10, 2021 in Utica, N.Y.
Runners make their way down The Parkway during the historic 44th Annual Boilermaker Road Race, Oct. 10, 2021 in Utica, N.Y.

Many performers are set up near Donovan Stadium, just before the Burrstone bridge and 5k starting point.

As the race weaves through west Utica, Utica University gives spectators a chance to view all three races and enjoy entertainment from WPNR 90.7 FM Utica University Pioneer Radio.

At the intersection of Court and Whitesboro streets at the 9-mile marker, fans can witness any late lead changes before the race ends at F.X. Matt, where runners and observers can head inside and celebrate with a pint.

Top elite runners return, with a twist

Throughout its history, the Boilermaker has earned a reputation for attracting some of the world’s best runners.

That aspect returns this year, with over 40 elite runners from around the globe traveling to Utica.

Gwilt said racers from Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania are among those vying.

Elite runners spring from the starting line of the 30th Annual Utica Boilermaker 15k Road Race on Culver Avenue, Sunday, July 8, 2007.
Elite runners spring from the starting line of the 30th Annual Utica Boilermaker 15k Road Race on Culver Avenue, Sunday, July 8, 2007.

Each year, the Boilermaker is one of three races part of the Pro Series, which also includes the Lilac Bloomsday 12K in Spokane, Washington, and the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler in Washington, D.C.

For the first time since 2016, the Boilermaker is the championship race, and this year, due to COVID-19, eight runners will have a chance to win the 15k and become the Pro Series champion.

A championship race was last conducted in 2019. The champion receives a superbonus of $10,000. To be eligible, a runner must have won one of the other two races.

Noah Ram is a sports reporter for the Observer-Dispatch. Email him at nram@gannett.com. On Boilermaker Sunday, visit uticaod.com for live coverage.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: 2022 Boilermaker returns Sunday: What you need to know