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Earle C. Reed established the Boilermaker in 1977 as a gift to the community for their support of the Utica Companies, a family business that is now ECR International. 800 runners started that first race on a shoestring budget of $750. On July 8, 12,000 runners will hit the roads to celebrate its 30th anniversary, making it the largest and fastest 15K race in the country, an event that attracts over 40,000 revelers. According to Mary MacEnroe, public relations director for the race, over 6000 volunteers power the race and make it one of the highlights of Utica’s year. In addition to the races on Sunday, Saturday is filled with activities. Take in the CDPHP expo from 9:00AM – 4:30PM, cheer on the kids at the Utica National Youth run at 8:15, take an 8K walk sponsored by the WKTV News Channel 2 at 10:30PM, and finish your carbo loading at the Sodexho Senior Services Pasta Dinner from 12:30 to 5:00 pm.  To help runners prepare for the Boilermaker, a series of ‘developmental’ runs are held in the weeks and months preceding the race to get people in shape and convince them they can go the distance. Hundreds of runners turn out for these runs and encourage over 100 new runners to take a run at the Boilermaker each year. Expect the weather to be generally fine with early morning clouds and temps in the 60’s. One of the interesting aspects of the Boilermaker is its tie-in to the National Distance Running Hall of Fame. Sam Constantino was recently appointed Executive Director of the National Distance Running Hall of Fame and the Boilermaker Road Race, Inc. “This newly created position takes the Boilermaker and the Running Hall of Fame to new levels” according to Constantino. A board member of the Hall of Fame since 1998 he was “honored to be offered the executive director role” At first he didn’t consider himself for the position, but the more he thought about his experience in the corporate and non-profit worlds, he was convinced he just couldn’t turn down this “once in a lifetime opportunity”. He is quick to point out, that he is not the Boilermaker race director. “Bob Ingalls has done a fantastic job over the past 7 years. My job is more strategic planning, attracting additional sponsors, and making the relationship between the Boilermaker and the Running Hall of Fame tighter and closer.” Contstantino wants to make the Hall of Fame a site similar to the Baseball Hall of Fame and use the Boilermaker as a way to bring runners together with the past and future of running. The Boilermaker is a true community event and is renowned not only for the number of racers, but for its post-race party which attracts 40,000 people and was named by Competitor magazine as having the best race and best post-race party. According to Mary MacEnroe, public relations director for the event, the big part of the race is the neighborhoods. “Each neighborhood along the race competes to support the runners and claim the title as the most supportive. West Utica is the current champ, but each neighborhood has won the honor at least once. Voting for this prestigious prize is no amateurish matter. The Utica police haul out their sound meter and runners scream approval of their favorite neighborhood, and the loudest one wins. The winner of this screamfest is has a party held in their honor, in their neighborhood, courtesy of the Boilermaker. 6000 volunteers keep this race running smoothly and this amazing fact is sure to floor directors of volunteers – the Boilermaker has a volunteer waiting list. Like most cities, Utica’s ethnic makeup has changed over the years. To celebrate this diversity, dozens of international groups perform on the “International Mile” between miles 1 and 2. The rest of the course is crammed with over 40 bands, live radio station broadcasts, and the famous Llama from the Utica Zoo. If this were all the Boilermaker did, it would be enough – a yearly event that draws on the rich variety of the Utica community. But the race also happens to be a world-class competitive race that draws elite runners from all over the world who compete for $6000 in prize money for men and women in the open class. Masters vie for $1000 and the top American man and woman earn $1000. An additional $1000 bonus is waiting for anyone who can break the current course record of 42:54 for men and 48:08 for women. Last year’s winner Sammy Rongo of Kenya finished at 43:16 to beat fellow countryman Wilson Kiprotich by 14 seconds and third place finisher William Chebon, also of Kenya, by 23 seconds. The women’s finish was even more spectacular with Gete Wami of Ethiopia beating Susan Chepkemei at the wire by two seconds 49:31 to 49:32. Wheelchair competitors Saul Mendoza of Wimberley TX cruised to victory over Tyler Byers of Reston VA 34:18 to 37:38. As part of the Boilermaker’s support of wheelchair racers, MacEnroe said, “any person who uses a wheelchair and can who finish the course in their wheelchair in 2:15 or less will be given a $2500 racing wheelchair, courtesy of the Boilermaker. The Boilermaker kicks off the Professional Road Running Organization’s series of championship races with a bonus of $30,000 to the racer who can win two of the five races in the circuit, which include, in addition to the Boilermaker, the 2008 World’s Best 10k in San Juan, Puerto Rico on February 24, the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile in Washington, DC on April 6, 2008, and the Lilac Bloomsday 12k in Spokane, WA on May 4, 2008 plus the PRRO Championship at the 2008 Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta, GA on July 4th. The bonus is paid out in addition to the prize money at the individual events. The bonus is split if an eligible male and female both win the Championship at Peachtree. The course is moderately challenging, according to MacEnroe, with an uphill start and a steep hill at about three miles, but a refreshing downhill finish to the post-race party. And what a party it is. Finishing at the F.X. Matt Brewery, with a lunch and free beverages including beer - it finishes at a brewery after all. MacEnroe put in a plug for the Saranac 1888 Root beer, which she claims is the best anywhere. In a tribute to patriotism and timing, a squad of F-16s jets screams over the crowd at the conclusion of the National Anthem. There’s a race for everyone during the weekend. The Boilermaker goes off at 8 am at Utica Boilers, 201 Dwyer Ave. Wheelchair racers go off at 7:45. If the full 15K is a bit much, take in the 5K training run starting at 7:30 a.m. at the Burrstone Road Bridge. If running is your goal, but you’re not there yet, join the 8K walk starting 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 7, at the Masonic Home, 2150 Bleecker St. Go to www.boilermaker.com for more information or to register for the race. Runners can also call 315-797-5838 to request a paper registration form. Latest articles in USA: New York
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