UTICA, N.Y. -- Boilermaker season is officially underway in Utica.

Four students received a Boilermaker Ted Petrillo Scholarship during a special breakfast on Wednesday.

The recipients are:

Outstanding Achievement in Distance Running 

• Hali Lelfield of South Lewis High School

• Andrew Ford of Clinton High School

Outstanding Commitment to Distance Running

• Cheyenne Shoemaker of Holland Patent High School

• Ryan Brooks of New Hartford High School

 

It includes a $1,500 scholarship, free race registration, and the opportunity to start Utica's Boilermaker Road Race with the elite runners.

A winner said she loves the camaraderie found in the sport, especially at the Boilermaker.

"I'll pass my friends or teammates or even people I don't know, just like, 'Come on. You can do it,' and stuff like that. Runners just really want each other to succeed," said Scholarship recipient Cheyenne Shoemaker.

The 41st Boilermaker Road Race is happening on July 8th, and you can watch it live on Spectrum News.

You can still sign up to run. Head to https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Utica/Boilermaker for information on how to register.