• The Boilermaker Charity Bib Program is back for its 14th year.
• Nonprofit organizations can apply for free bibs for any Boilermaker event to use in fundraising initiatives for 2026.
• Applications will be available at boilermaker.com from October 13 through November 21, 2025.

UTICA, N.Y. (October 13, 2025) – The Boilermaker Charity Bib Program is returning for 2026. In its 14th year, the program provides free bibs for either the Boilermaker 15K presented by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield or 5K presented by Utica National Insurance Group in exchange for fundraising for local nonprofit organizations. Funds raised go directly to the organization, which uses them to enhance the lives of community members in Oneida, Herkimer, Madison, and Onondaga counties.

The Boilermaker Charity Bib Program began in 2013 as a way to give back to the community and provide a unique method of entry – and inspiration – to runners. Countless runners have taken on the challenge of running the Boilermaker, many motivated purely by their support of an organization or important cause. Over the last 13 years, the program has raised upwards of $850,000 for area nonprofits.

To participate, interested nonprofit organizations must fill out an application. Applications are available at boilermaker.com and will be accepted from October 13 to November 21, 2025. A third-party committee reviews all applications and allocates available bibs, which selected organizations can then use to incentivize fundraisers. Runners must raise a minimum of $500 to earn their bib for either the 15K or 5K races, in-person or virtual.

 “At its heart, the Boilermaker is a community event,” said Vikki Townsend, Community Outreach Manager for the Boilermaker. “Community outreach programming like the Charity Bib Program allows us to give back to the community that has given us so much over the last 49 years.”

The Charity Bib Program is one of several Community Outreach Programs offered by the Boilermaker. The Access Program was created in 2022 to provide a way to participate in Boilermaker events for those with financial limitations. The organization also has a Community Garden, which provides produce for Mother Marianne’s West Side Kitchen, and offers youth fitness programming throughout the year.

For more information or to download an application for the Charity Bib Program, please visit boilermaker.com.

The Upstate Caring Partners 2025 Charity Bib Team poses for a pre-race photo.