Utica’s world famous Boilermaker Road Race announced the details associated with its 44th running set for Sunday, October 10th. The 15K presented by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield will have a capacity of 12,000 and the Utica National 5K will have a capacity of 4,000. All registered runners must be vaccinated by September 22nd, 2021 in order to participate. The only exception to this policy will be participants under the age of 12 who are not currently eligible to be vaccinated.

 

The series of registration periods will begin on Thursday, July 1st as noted below:

· Rollovers from 2020 July 1st, 12 PM – July 8th, 12 PM

· 2020 Virtual Boilermaker Participants July 9th, 12 PM – July 15th, 12 PM

· Open Registration July 16th, 12 PM

· Virtual Options July 1st, 12 PM

· All registration for the 2021 Boilermaker will close at noon by Friday, October 1st or when caps are reached

 

This year’s Boilermaker will include changes designed to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved, beginning with its move from the traditional second Sunday in July to the second Sunday in October. In order to accommodate the need for more space, the MVHS Expo is currently planned to be held in the former Macy’s space at the Sangertown Square Mall in New Hartford. In addition, anyone wishing to participate must be vaccinated by Wednesday, September 22nd and will be required to present proof of their vaccination and identity with a valid photo ID when they pick up their race packets at the Expo. Proof of vaccination will be accepted via the NYS Excelsior app or hard copy vaccination card.

 

Race Day is Sunday, October 10th

  • Live Race Caps:
    • 15K presented by Excellus BlueCross Blue Shield: 12,000
    • Utica National 5K: 4,000
  • In-Person & Virtual Options Available
  • Registration Periods Begin July 1st
  • COVID Vaccination Required to Participate (only exception is for youth runnners under 12)
  • Saranac Post-Race Party – Exclusive to Registered Runners (subject to change)
  • MVHS Health & Wellness Expo/Packet Pick-Up currently planned to be held at Sangertown Square Mall in the former Macy’s location on October 8th & 9th

More information about the NYS Excelsior app can be found at epass.ny.gov. At this time, the Saranac Post-Race Party will be exclusive to the registered and vaccinated Boilermaker participants only.

 

“The journey we have all been on over the past 15 months has been arduous and filled with uncertainty to put it mildly. Our goal throughout has been to be in a position to host a safe, in-person Boilermaker on a meaningful scale in 2021. Thanks to the whole of government efforts to execute on the distribution of vaccines and of Boilermaker Nation to diligently follow COVID mitigation protocols and get themselves vaccinated, we are extremely excited to be able to meet that goal,” said Boilermaker President, Mark Donovan. “The decision to allow only vaccinated participants in the races and the Saranac Post-Race Party was not taken lightly. We could have easily thrown all caution to the wind and pursued a path of normal capacities without restrictions; however, the Boilermaker has and always will prioritize public health and safety over revenue.”

“The existence of these vaccines is the only reason we are able to bring live racing back this year. As a health and wellness organization using road racing to change people’s lives in a positive way, the Boilermaker is grateful for their existence and efficacy and proudly supports the continued advancement of the vaccination rate,” Donovan went on to say. “In addition, it offers the optimal path to provide a comfortable, safe and as close to normal experience as possible for the eligible participants and our community. For those who are not yet vaccinated, you have 86 days to get that completed. For those who are choosing not to vaccinate, we understand your disappointment and we look forward to 2022 when hope to be in a position to have a safe, all-inclusive event.”

 

As previously announced, there will be no invited elite athletes and there will be no prize money available for this year’s race. However, the following popular programs within the Boilermaker will be included in this year’s in-person event:

  • Charity Bib Program sponsored by Cree | Wolfspeed
  • Corporate Cup Program sponsored by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
  • High School Challenge sponsored by Ball Aerospace
  • Wheelchair Challenge

This year’s Boilermaker will also feature a virtual component to accommodate anyone who is unable or unwilling to participate in the in-person event for any reason.

Boilermaker Nation is encouraged to visit boilermaker.com for complete details and given the changes involved this year to check their emails regularly for important information and updates.

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