UTICA, N.Y. (June 29th, 2026)-The Boilermaker 15K Road Race, presented by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, and Boilermaker 5K Road Race, presented by Utica National, have both officially hit their caps, but organizers are citing several opportunities potential participants can explore to get to the starting line.

“First and foremost, we’d like to thank Boilermaker Nation for their continued support,” said  Boilermaker President Mark Donovan. “One of the reasons that the Boilermaker is known as ‘America’s Best 15K Road Race’ is because of the amazing group of runners who bless us with their presence year in and year out.”

Donovan noted that there are options for those who haven’t registered for the races but still wish to participate. He urged people to sign up for the 15K race’s waitlist ASAP. In addition, runners should explore participating via the Boilermaker’s Charity Bib program, which grants race bibs to those who raise funds for local charities.

“There is no charge or commitment to join the waitlist, and there is value in doing so ASAP,”  Donovan said. “When a spot does open up, the person at the top of the waitlist receives an e-mail and will have 48 hours to respond, after which they will go to the end of the queue if they do not register within that time frame. In addition, spots do open up as people’s schedules change or as they incur injuries and become unable to run.”

Those looking to obtain a bib can do so by running for a Charity Bib organization (boilermaker.com/community/charity-bib-program/). Runners are eligible to receive a free entry for either the 15K or 5K race by raising at least $500 for the organization. All money raised and collected by each organization is used to support its individual missions. Those interested in getting connected with one of the organizations still seeking runners can do so by filling out a contact form on boilermaker.com.

Runners can also obtain a bib through a legitimate bib transfer. Online transfers must be started by Wednesday, July 1st, and be completed by Friday, July 3rd. Race organizers want to stress the importance of obtaining a bib through legitimate transfers, as it helps medical personnel identify runners in the case of an emergency scenario. For more information on transfers, interested parties can visit the Boilermaker’s https://www.boilermaker.com/about/boilermaker-faqs/.

Those still interested in being a part of the Boilermaker experience weekend are encouraged to join the Boilermaker Walk presented by Slocum Dickson Medical Group on Saturday, July 11th at 11:00 am. For more details about registering for the walk, please visit www.boilermaker.com or visit the walk bib pick-up table at the expo to register in person.

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Recognized as the “Best 15K in the USA”, the Boilermaker Road Race is in its 49th year. The Boilermaker, a proud member of the PRRO Circuit, is the premier event of Boilermaker Weekend. The race consistently attracts elite runners from all over the world, including Olympians and world record holders, and features distance running’s most enthusiastic fans, as well as the sport’s best post-race party, hosted by The F.X. Matt Brewing Company. To register for other Boilermaker events, visit the official Boilermaker website at boilermaker.com. Hotel accommodations and information about other local attractions can also be found on the site.