2013 Boilermaker Scholarship Winners Announced

May 17, 2013 (Utica, NY) - The Boilermaker Road Race is pleased to announce the winners of the 9th Annual Boilermaker Scholarship. Six of the top scholastic distance runners in Central New York are the winners of the 2013 Boilermaker Scholarships.  Rome Free Academy runner, Brianna Weir and Holland Patent Central School runner, Todd Stevens will be honored for "Outstanding Achievement in Distance Running." Alysa Hoffman, Holland Patent High School, James Scrafford, Cooperstown Central School, Brandon Rawson, Ilion Senior High and Victoria Campania, South Lewis Central School all won scholarships for "Outstanding Commitment in Distance Running.

Officials from the Boilermaker presented $1000 checks to each recipient at a breakfast ceremony on Friday, May 17th at the Radisson Hotel Utica Centre at 8:00 a.m.  The scholarship winners also receive complimentary entries for the 2013 Boilermaker 15K and will start the race on July 14, 2013 with the elite runners. This year they will also receive an entry into the 2013 National Distance Running Hall of Fame Race being held this Sunday, May 19th at 8:00 AM.

The Boilermaker began the high school scholarship program in 2005. Since its inception, forty-two scholarships have been awarded.

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New Band and the Warbirds are Back

May 15, 2013 (Utica, NY) - Boilermaker officials announced that Letizia and the Z Band will be headlining the 2013 Boilermaker Post Race Party. The band, based out of Syracuse, is a 5-piece high-energy dance band that plays a range of music stretching from the disco 70's to today's hits. In 2012 Letizia was voted Best Female Vocalist by readers of the Syracuse New Times.

Beth Zaje will be returning to open the Post Race Party. "We received so many positive comments about Beth's performance last year that she was a lock for this year' said Tim Reed, President of the Boilermaker. ' I think we have a really strong lineup that will get the crowd rocking.'

The Genesee Warbirds, based out of Batavia New York, will be returning to do the traditional flyover.  This year three jet aircraft will soar over the F.X. Matt Brewery. 'We know how much the crowd enjoys the jets after the singing of the National Anthem' said Tom Heiland, Post Race Party Director.

'With the current sequester issues grounding military flyovers we see the Warbirds as a great alternative.'

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The Boilermaker and the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired Team-Up for Boston Marathon Victims

May 14, 2013 (Utica, N.Y.)- The Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) has folded and packaged over 1,000 t-shirts for the Boilermaker. The t-shirts were sold by the Boilermaker to raise funds for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings. The shirts, like the Race, sold out in 3 days.

Displaying "Boilermaker 2013" on the front and "Run for Boston" on the back, the shirts are loaded with a hyper-color technology that allows the back graphic to show up only when it gets wet or a runner sweats. Proceeds from the sale of these t-shirts reached $10,000 and one hundred percent was donated to the Boston Athletic Association's charity of choice, "The One Fund," on behalf of the Boilermaker runners, spectators and volunteers.

CABVI provided the labor to fold and package the t-shirts for mailing free of charge. "We were honored to be able to help with this endeavor and donate our services. The Boilermaker Road Race is a staple in this community and when they approached us about helping with the t-shirt project we jumped at the chance," said Ed Welsh, CABVI Board Chairman. "It is our pleasure to be able to do our part to help the victims of this horrible tragedy." Dennis Webster, CABVI's Vice President of Manufacturing and Business Services added, "The CABVI employees who worked on the joint effort were thrilled to be able to participate in this venture to assist the Boilermaker in raising these funds."

The Boilermaker would like to extend its sincerest appreciation to everyone who purchased t-shirts in support of the Boston Victims. "This Race had prided itself on community collaboration," said Boilermaker President, Tim Reed. "We simply could not have gotten this project done as we did, without the generous services of CABVI."

Boilermaker Boosts Prize Money

April 10, 2013 (Utica, NY) - The Boilermaker Road Race announced an increase in prize money.  The prize monies are spread among the male and female open, masters and top American categories. In all, the Prize Payout will rise by nearly $12,000 to an overall payout of over $57,000.

Two of the major changes are for First Place in the Open male/female Division rising from $6,000 to $7,000 and the Top American male/female going from $1,000 to $2,000.

There is an additional bonus of $1,000 to be awarded to the first open male/ female runner who breaks the current course record. The course records are 47:57 for females, 42:46 for males.

 'We are confident this will act as a catalyst to draw the best in our sport to Utica' said Elite Running Coordinator Dick Mattia. 'In addition, we should see a real increase in the quality of American runners competing in the Boilermaker Road Race as well as helping to support the efforts nationally to compensate athletes who are training to compete globally representing the United States.
 
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Boilermaker Strides to Achieve Green Certification

April 2, 2013 (Utica, NY)- The Boilermaker supports healthy lifestyles, healthy communities and recognizes that to achieve these goals we need a healthy planet.  To demonstrate its commitment to "Going Green" the Boilermaker has applied for certification from the Council for Responsible Sport.  

Certification from the Council for Responsible Sport formally recognizes a significant achievement: the successful completion of a socially and environmentally responsible sporting event. Standards can be achieved in areas ranging from waste management and climate impact to community involvement, health promotion and more.

Over the years the events associated with Boilermaker have significantly reduced their collective environmental footprint.   According to Race Director, Jim Stasaitis, the simple act of going to online registration resulted in the elimination of printing nearly 80,000 race applications, not to mention all of the envelopes and checks.  It further eliminated all of the energy needed to produce those materials and the transportation of those materials.

Last year more than 4 tons of solid waste was sent to the recycling center instead of the landfill.  While that is a great start according to Stasaitis: "We will look at every aspect of our three day event to find ways that we can be friendlier to the planet.  All of the committees are asked to help with this process.

With more than 20,000 participants, plus more than 5,000 volunteers everyone is asked to pitch in.  Here are three steps that everyone can take include:
    •   Use recycling and composting bins at the expo and the post race party.
        1       Carpool to all events.
        2       Only take food that you are going to eat.

 
To help with process Paul MacEnroe has been named Sustainability Director for the Boilermaker and all of its events.  
 
For More Information Contact:  Jim Stasaitis 797 5838
                                                                        
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Birnie Bus Service and The Boilermaker Launch New Transportation Services For 15k Runners

March 25, 2013 (Utica N.Y.)-Birnie Bus Service has partnered with the Boilermaker to bring transportation services to out of town 15K Boilermaker runners. Boilermaker bus services, via Birnie Bus, will accommodate the following areas; Syracuse, Rome and Lowville. The buses will pick up runners from three locations and transport them non-stop to the 15K starting line in Utica. Once the race is complete the buses will pick up the runners at the Boilermaker post-race party and transport them back to their respective locations. A website, www.BoilermakerBusService.com, is now available for those who are interested in using the service. The  service is affordable, at  $5 per person round trip, and payment can be made online. Runners are encouraged to register early as seating will be limited.

Mr. Tim Birnie, President of Birnie Bus Service said "Birnie Bus has been a long standing  partner of the Boilermaker Road Race serving as the official bus transportation partner ," He added that  "It made sense for Birnie to offer this new service to out of town runners. It's convenient and will help reduce   parking issues for runners while benefitting the environment through a reduction in vehicle emissions."
 Mr. Jim Stasaitis, Race Director, said "the Boilermaker appreciates the partnership with Birnie Bus Service and looks forward to the added transportation service for our 15k runners. We encourage all out of town runners to use this service as it will help with parking and traffic congestion the day of the race." Stasaitis concluded, "We are always looking for ways to accommodate our out of town runners."  Routes and more information can be found on www.BoilermakerBusService.com.
 

Boilermaker Charity Bib Partners Revealed

March 15, 2013 (Utica N.Y.)-  The Boilermaker Road Race introduced the not for profits that will be participating in the charity bib program. Two hundred bibs will be available for runners to participate in the 2013 Boilermaker. In order to participate, runners must register with one of the chosen charities and commit to raising a minimum of $500 in pledges.  The charity bibs are usable for either the 15k or 5k races.

'We feel very confident that these bibs will move very quickly' said Tim Reed, President of the Boilermaker Road Race. 'It will be very exciting to see how much gets raised for these organizations.'

The charity signup will go live on Monday, March 18th at noon (EST).  The charity bib icon will be found at boilermaker.com.

The selected charities are: A Better Chance of Clinton and the Mohawk Valley, Aids Community Resources, Central New York Veterans Outreach Center, CNY Susan G. Koman for the Cure, Food Bank of Central New York, Friends of the Arc, Make a Wish Central New York, Resource Center for Independent Living, Sitrin Medical Rehabilitation Center and the YMCA of Greater Syracuse.

'Being associated with the Boilermaker provides a platform to raise much needed funding and awareness for Make-A-Wish Central New York' said Diane Kupperman President& CEO of  Make-A-Wish. It is truly an honor to affiliate with this high profile event and incredible group of people. The benefit will be long-lasting, providing hope, strength and joy to kids and families in Central New York."

The race will be giving three prizes to the top three pledge-gathers including free entry in the next 5 Boilermakers.
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The 36th running of the Boilermaker Road Race will take place Sunday July 14, 2013

Looking Good While Training - No Sweat!

February 6, 2013 (Utica, NY)- this year's early sellout of the race wasn't the only thing that got people talking. The Boilermaker turned to Rochester-based apparel company ViewSPORT to produce its 2013 training shirt.

What makes this tech shirt unusual is the use of sweat-activated technology that reveals a message that is only visible once perspiration comes in contact with the fabric. As you sweat, the words No Sweat magically appear on your upper back. When the shirt dries out the message again disappears.

 Interestingly, recent studies by scientists have concluded that the area between the shoulders is the area of the body that produces the most perspiration.

As an added bonus, the shirts are manufactured in the USA.

Ben Wood, ViewSPORT's CEO, a college chemistry major and second year medical school student invented the technology. 'It's great to get a chance to partner a New York manufacturer with a premier New York race' said Mr. Wood.

This is not the first time the Boilermaker has offered ViewSPORT merchandise. In 2011, the race sent ViewSPORT shirts to support a Boilermaker 'shadow run' held in Iraq.  As the soldiers perspired, the secret message, 'I Ran Iraq", was revealed.

Organizations that have sported ViewSPORT apparel include: ESPN, Game Gear, Gus Macker and the U.S. Army. The technology was featured on the TV show Shark Tank.

The 2013 Boilermaker Training Shirt is available at store.boilermaker.com in both men' and women's sizes.

'Perhaps you're not happy with your running time, but you can be happy with your running style' said Tim Reed President of the Boilermaker. 'This is just one of the many different things the Boilermaker does which makes us unique.'

                                           
The 36th running of the Boilermaker Road Race will take place on Sunday July 14, 2013

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Boilermaker 5k Race Sells Out

January 16, 2013 (Utica NY)- The second sneaker fell as the Boilermaker 5k hit its race cap of 4,500 registrants after four days. In 2012, the 5k closed on March 21.

"Last year at this time we had 296 runners signed up" said Race Director Jim Stasaitis. "Clearly the quick sell out of the 15k hastened the 5k filling up."

The 5k was born in 2000 with 822 participating.

Currently the only remaining event people can sign up for is the 3 Mile Walk which takes place Saturday July 13th at the Masonic Care Community.

The 36th running of the Boilermaker Road Race will take place Sunday July 14th.

Schumer Says 'Bring on the Jets!'

January 15, 2013 (Utica, N.Y.)-  The National Distance Running Hall of Fame was the venue where U.S. Senator Charles Schumer urged the U.S. Air Force to approve a flyover for the 2013 Boilermaker to be held July 14th. Schumer asked that the Air Force incorporate the flyover into mandated training, which must be done using the military jets and therefore adds no additional cost to taxpayers.

From 2002 through 2009 the 174th Attack Wing (National Guard) stationed at Hancock Field in Syracuse performed the traditional flyover at the Boilermaker Post Race Party. In 2009 the group transitioned to an unmanned Predator drone unit.

"Bringing the F-16 flyover back to The 2013 Boilermaker will bring the roar back to this historic race's finale," said Schumer. "I fought hard to gain FAA approval for the flyover, and now I'm urging the U.S. Air Force to incorporate nearby F-16 pilot training into the flyover tradition that has been a Boilermaker staple for over a decade. Because this Central New York tradition would cost nothing extra to the taxpayer and encompasses military preparedness, I am urging the Air Force to rev their engines and allow The Boilermakers thousands of spectators and racers to enjoy another breathtaking cross of the finish line." 

The Boilermaker has had a long history with the military including supporting five 'shadow runs' that have taken place in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In 2012 a pair of jets belonging to the Genesee War Birds, a not for profit based in Batavia New York, performed the flyover.

"The military flyover stands as one of those signature moments the Boilermaker is known for" said Boilermaker President Tim Reed. "I speak for the legion of runners, volunteers and community members who applaud Senator Schumer's efforts."
 

Boilermaker 15k Sells Out

January 15, 2013 (Utica NY)  - The Boilermaker Road Race has set a record before the first person has crossed the finish line reaching its cap in the quickest time ever. In 2012, the race was sold out on March 10, fully two months after registration opened. This year the field of 14,000 filled in three days.

 "I don't think that any of us anticipated the speed in which the race closed out", said Race Director Jim Stasaitis. "This is a testament to the thousands of volunteers and our loyal sponsors who make this a must do race."

The 5k race, with a cap of 4,500, still has slots available, although it is anticipated that it will quickly fill with the closing of 15k registration.

There will still be two ways for those shut out to participate.

The race has set aside 200 bibs to support a charity bib program. In order for the runner to acquire the bib they must gather a minimum of $500 in pledges for the not for profit. The formal rollout of the program including the designated charities will be announced in February.

The race will again be offering a transfer policy where individuals can legally swap their bib to shutout runners. The transfer program will go-live April 1; there will be a $10 transfer fee.

The running of the 36th Boilermaker will take place on Sunday, July 14, 2013.
 

Boilermaker to Launch Charity Bib Program

December 17, 2012- For the 2013 race the Boilermaker Road Race will be offering a charity bib program to support local non-profits. The Boilermaker will be setting aside 200 bibs for organizations to use to entice participants to raise pledges.

The bibs can be utilized for the 15k and 5k races or 3 Mile Walk. Participants must commit to raise a minimum of $500 for the selected non-profits. The bibs will be provided to the charity of choice at no cost.

"We saw this as a wonderful opportunity to use the power of the Boilermaker to positive chance in our community" said Tim Reed, president of the Boilermaker. "We have seen the great results of programs like this throughout the country."

Organizations selected will be in charge of the administration of the program including the collection of pledge money. In addition, they must have a physical presence in Central New York and align with the mission of the Boilermaker. A maximum of 50 bibs will be available to qualifying charities.

If registrants are participating in the 15k race they must finish in two and a half hours.
In January the race will formally roll out the charity bib program.
 

Three Mile Walk Moves to Masonic

December 12, 2012 (Utica, NY)- The Boilermaker is pleased to announce that the Masonic Care Community will be the host site for the 2013 Boilermaker Walk on Saturday July 13th.  The 3 mile walk will begin at 10:30AM and be contained on the campus.

"The Masonic Care Community was proud to host the Boilermaker Expo for 15 years on our campus and are happy to offer our campus for the 3k walk" said Rob Raffle, Executive Director of the Masonic Care Community." The Masonic Care Community has 400 acres of beautiful grounds that participants can enjoy and we look forward to welcoming the Boilermaker walkers back on July 13th".

"Masonic has emerged as the community leader in supporting walk efforts", said Marie Seiselemyer, 3 Mile Walk Coordinator. "The layout of the campus and the support of the Masonic staff made this an easy choice."

Registration for the walk opens online Saturday January 12th 2013 at boilermaker.com.

Participants will also be able to register the day of the event; registration will close at 9:30AM.

Registration fee for the 3 Mile Walk is $15.

There will be limited parking available on campus.
 

Boilermaker Reveals Field Totals & Logo for 2013 Race

2013 Boilermaker Race Logo

December 10 (Utica, NY) - The Boilermaker announced the race cap numbers for the 2013 race.  The 15k race will remain at 14,000, while the 5k will increase of 500 runners for a total of 4,500.

"We have had a number of meetings with Directors who deal with various aspects of the race to arrive at the number" said Race Director Jim Stasaitis "We want to give as many people as possible the chance to run the race while maintaining the quality people expect."

Runners can register on line beginning Saturday January 12th at boilermaker.com.

In 2011 the 15k race opened registration on January 7th and was sold out on March 10th; the 5k closed out on March 21st.  "We expect both races to close even faster this year," said President Tim Reed.

Registration fees for the 15k will be $40 with the 5k at $30, and the Three Mile Walk application at $15. In an effort to be green applications will only be taken online.

For the second year the Boilermaker reached out to Mohawk Valley Community College students to design the 2013 logo.

The winning logo was created by Micaela Altieria sophomore student majoring in the Graphic Arts.

"To have the opportunity to showcase the talents of our local students under the Boilermaker umbrella is simply fantastic:" said Scott Selden, Associate Professor of Art. " It has been a great opportunity to take on a 'real world' project in an academic setting."