• The Boilermaker Charity Bib Program presented by Wolfspeed is back for its 12th year.
• Nonprofit organizations can apply for free bibs for any Boilermaker event to use in fundraising initiatives for 2024.
• Applications will be available at boilermaker.com from November 27 through December 22, 2023.

UTICA, N.Y. (November 21, 2023) – The Boilermaker Charity Bib Program presented by Wolfspeed is returning for 2024. In its 12th 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 done 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 11 years, the program has raised upwards of $700,000 for area nonprofits.

“We are thrilled to usher in the 2024 Charity Bib Program, made possible by the generous support of Wolfspeed,” said Boilermaker President Mark Donovan. “Each year, we receive applications from incredible organizations doing critical work in our community, and it’s an honor to be able to support them in this way.”

To participate, interested nonprofit organizations must fill out an application. Applications are available at boilermaker.com and will be accepted from November 27 – December 22, 2023. 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.

The Charity Bib Program is one of several Community Outreach Programs offered by the Boilermaker. The Access Program presented by Wolfspeed, which started in 2022, creates a pathway to participate in Boilermaker events for those with financial limitations, providing free entries and assistance with footwear to the underprivileged, underserved, and immigrant/refugee communities in Oneida County. 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.

 “At its heart, the Boilermaker is a community event,” said Donovan. “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 47 years.”

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

The American Cancer Society’s 2022 Boilermaker Race Charity Bib team poses backstage at the Saranac Post-Race Party.