The Race     

The Boilermaker 15K Road Race was established in 1978 by Earle C. Reed. Reed was looking for a way to give back to the community that had supported his family's business, Utica Companies (ECR International). The race began with just over 800 runners and a budget of $750. Now, the Boilermaker is the largest 15K in the nation with more than 14,000 runners!

The name is credited to the late Frank S. Owens, Jr., former Vice President of Advertising at the F. X. Matt Brewery. It was he who suggested the name, combining the nature of Reed’s company, Utica Boilers, with an old-time drink that was made by dropping a shot of whiskey into a mug of beer.

You can feel the excitement in the air!  As the runners & wheel chairs fly by, the fans enthusiastically cheer them on as bands play and volunteers hand out water all along the route!!! 

Stop by The Shoppes at the Finish Line & Finish Line Furniture – located, where else but “the Finish Line” (809 Court St.)!  We will be offering Food ~ Drinks ~ Music ~ Parking ~ Utica Souvenirs ~ & Blow-Out SALES throughout Our Furniture & Gift Shoppes!   And yes, we have a great view of the Vintage jet fighters that will perform their traditional flyover after the race!

Click here to find out more about this year's Boilermaker Road Race!

                      Utica Brewery                                    Old Utica Globe Mill                             Finish Line Furniture