Boilermaker Charity Bib Program Opens Applications for 2025

The Boilermaker Charity Bib Program presented by Wolfspeed is back for its 13th year.
Nonprofit organizations can apply for free bibs for any Boilermaker event to use in fundraising initiatives for 2025.
Applications will be available at boilermaker.com from October 7 through November 15, 2024.

UTICA, N.Y. (October 7, 2024) – The Boilermaker Charity Bib Program presented by Wolfspeed is returning for 2024. In its 13th 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 the last 12 years, the program has raised upwards of $800,000 for area nonprofits.

“We are thrilled to usher in the 2025 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 October 7 – November 15, 2024. A third-party committee reviews all applications and allocates available bibs, which selected organizations 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 the Boilermaker organization offers. The Access Program presented by Wolfspeed was started 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.

“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 48 years.”

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