'Something bigger than myself': Boilermaker runners get ready for an exciting weekend
The Boilermaker Road Race is Sunday, and whether it’s their first year or their 18th, racers are excited for what’s to come and the celebration after.
Cars packed Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica on Friday as racers of all kinds gathered to get what they need to compete on Sunday. And while they waited, some shared when they started racing, why they keep coming back, or what they love about the Boilermaker.
Like a parade
Tom Brown, of Clinton, has been running the Boilermaker for around 18 years and started on a whim.
“I started running for my health in early in the spring [18 years ago],” Brown said. “And I decided to sign up for the Boilermaker, and I’m so glad I did. It was the best thing. It was so exhilarating.”
Brown said during that first Boilermaker, he felt he was running through a parade standing still.
“You look at everything happening along the sides, and I remember seeing all the animal exhibits because the [Utica] Zoo had the animals there,” he said.
Brown said he did the 15K when he first started but had to go down to the 5K, sadly.
“As I’ve gotten order, it’s been more and more to prepare for the 15K,” he said. “But honestly, I’d say give the Boilermaker a try. If you’ve never run before, start now at a low pace and just do it for fun. Eventually, you’ll build up, and it’ll be addicting.”
Always something to do
Scott Lingley, of New Hartford, said it’s his third time running the Boilermaker’s 15K. Like Brown, he started for his health. But, he also runs it with his friends, and it gives him something to do.
“It’s a fun race all-around and Central New York has a lot of activities, so if you’re home and bored, I say you’re not trying hard enough,” he said. “I’ve been cheering the Boilermaker for a number of years, but to actually be on the other side? It’s exciting.”
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Lingley said running is more of a hobby, and something to do, so coming first place isn’t exactly on his radar.
“I’m not a professional, and I’m not planning on winning it,” he said. “Not unless I can run it in 41 minutes, and since I’m still at an hour and a half, it’s a long shot.”
A family tradition
Dane Luey, of Gloversville, said his father tempted him to the Boilermaker in his 20s.
“I think this is my 17th year, and I started when I was 23,” he said. “My dad had run the Boilermaker around 15 times before I started. He told me there’d be free beer, so that’s all he had to say.”
Tempted by the after-party, Luey soon found that the Boilermaker Road Race had much more to offer. Between everyone participating and the fun time the city had to offer, it was something he didn’t want to miss next year.
“And the energy is still there, same as when I first started,” he said. “And I’m looking forward to the race. My dad can’t do the race anymore, but he’s coming out on Sunday and will meet me at the finish line.”
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Back home, starting the race
Sherlyn Bartley, of Prospect, was at registration with her three-year-old daughter Amelia.
“I actually grew up here in Central New York, but moved to Alaska,” Bartley said. “But I recently moved back to New York, and now I’m here for the Boilermaker.”
This is her first time running the race, but Bartley said she’s been training every day and confident. And just like everyone else, she’s excited.
“I get to be a part of something bigger than myself,” she said. “I signed up because my mom had been asking me for years. And this was the first year I could.”
When asked if she had anything to say to racers thinking about signing up next year, Bartley said to take the plunge.
“Never be afraid to go out and do something because you’ll be surprised just how well you can do it,” she said.