The annual Boilermaker Race, which typically draws more than 18,000 runners to Utica, was virtual this year, but that didn’t keep participants from running the course.

Due to COVID-19, more than 13,000 fewer runners joined the race and participants ran at a location of their choosing, virtually. 

What You Need To Know

  • The 43rd annual Boilermaker Race went virtual this year

  • Some runners chose their own paths, others chose the usual race course

  • Racers say regardless of how the race is held, they’ll continue to support

While there were far fewer cheerleaders at the finish line on race day, and fewer participants, race organizers say runners came from 47 states and nine countries, creating an international virtual community.

“They had a really great online community to support on Facebook that we’re part of,” said runner Dan Anderson.

Runners say in addition to the online community, the City of Utica is what keeps them coming back.

“How Utica comes out and makes this like this is what you look at it’s all about it’s this huge event and even though we have to do it this way I’m still so happy we got to come up and do it,” said runner Denise Price.

Now that this year’s race is finished, organizers say they’re preparing for next year, even though they’re unsure what it’ll look like.

But regardless of if it’s in person or virtual, runners say, they’ll be there to support the community.

“Even if we just have to pay the fee and it’s virtual, we’re still helping a great organization” said Anderson.

“If there’s still a pandemic or no matter what’s going on, we’re running this race, nothing's going to keep us from running the Boilermaker,” said Eric Grenier.

Because the Boilermaker is more than a race: it’s community and family.

Racers can find results on the boilermaker website.