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 10,000 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.

THE LARGEST 15K IN THE NATION

For 10 years consecutively, from 1997 to 2006, the Boilermaker 15K Road Race was named the largest 15K in the nation. Each year, the race attracts top elite runners from all over the world, Olympians and world record holders.

MOST COMPETITIVE 15K IN THE NATION

The Analytic Distance Runner has ranked the Boilermaker 15K Road Race as the most competitive 15K in the world. The race has been ranked number one for four consecutive years.

The Analytic Distance Runner shows the men's Boilermaker field as the most competitive in the world for 1993, 1995-2005, and the women's field as most competitive for 1996-2003 and 2006.