Boilermaker is back: Here’s what you need to know about parking, registration and more

With the United States of America having celebrated its birthday last week, the next big event up on the area's July calendar is Utica's annual Boilermaker Road Race.

The 15-kilometer run around the city sets out for its 47th edition along with its 5-kilometer partner, 22nd wheelchair race, and other related festivities. The races will be run on their traditional date - the second Sunday in July - for the third year in a row after a two-year COVID interruption canceled the 2020 event and moved 2021 to the fall, and runners will be back on their traditional and well-marked route from Culver Avenue to the brewery district after course adjustments were needed last year to accommodate roadwork

Monday was the final registration deadline for the 2024 15K race, but entries for the live and virtual 5K are open online until one minute before the stroke of midnight Friday into Saturday.

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Here are a few things to know about the leadup to raceday.

Health and Wellness Expo

The annual Health and Wellness Expo, the event at which runners pick up their bibs and race packets, kicks off the festivities Friday at Mohawk Valley Community College.

The Expo, held at the Jorgensen Center on Sherman Drive, will take place Friday, noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Participants will need their confirmation email and photo ID to pick up their bibs. Someone else can pick up a runner's bib but must present a note from the runner along with a copy of the the confirmation email or government-issued identification.

When are the Races?

The 5-kilometer racers start first Sunday at 7:15 a.m., followed by the wheelchairs at 7:45 a.m. and the 15K at 8 a.m.

Virtual Runners

Anyone running the Boilermaker in spirit rather than in person has this week to submit their results.

Submissions opened Saturday and will be accepted until 11:59 a.m. on the formal race day through the RaceJoy mobile app (www.racejoy.net/app).

Virtual runners are bound only by the runner's code of ethics and may complete the 5- or 15-kilometer run anywhere, including a treadmill.

Changing Registration

Race organizers have made spots available for up to 500 runners to shift their registrations from the 15-kilometer race to the 5K.

Runners will be unable to switch back after an initial change, and there will be no refunds for the difference in registration fees.

Switches can be made at the Health and Wellness Expo's solution desk in the lobby at the Jorgensen Center Friday and Saturday.

Raceday Parking

There is no reserved parking for participants or spectators, making planning ahead and arriving early important. Also, road closures start at 5 a.m.

Five-kilometer runners can use the west lot at ConMed on Chenango Road and catch a shuttle to the start, or walk from the Murnane Field area. Shuttle are for registered runners only, and are not open to spectators or race volunteers.

There is some street parking at the 15K start near HTI International, and closer to the finish along public streets near Wynn Hospital and along Erie Street.