The 15K Boilermaker Road Race attracts elite wheelchair athletes from around the world, including Paralympians. Wheelchair athletes began competing in the race in 1980. In 1997, the Boilermaker formally established the Wheelchair Division. To generate interest and promote the sport of wheelchair racing within the local community, the Boilermaker implemented the Wheelchair Challenge in 1998.
The Wheelchair Challenge, sponsored by Sitrin Health Care (New Hartford, New York), is open to participants in standard wheelchairs. Those who apply and are accepted in the challenge may win a customized racing wheelchair if they complete the 15K in two hours and fifteen minutes or less. To date, 18 racing wheelchairs, valued at $2,500, have been awarded to Challenge participants. Many of the recipients have gone on to compete in other wheelchair races throughout the country.
For more information about the Wheelchair Challenge sponsored by Sitrin Health Care, contact Marc DePerno at (315) 797-3114 ext. 459 or email him at mdeperno@sitrin.com
15 kilometers, (9.3 miles), USATF recertified in 2006. The course is marked in kilometers and miles. Over twenty official water and aid stations. Streets are closed to traffic for 2 hours. Splits are given every mile and at 5K and 10K.
Start Location:
ECR International
2201 Dwyer Avenue
Utica, NY
Pre-Race Shuttle Buses:
Shuttle buses for the wheelchair participants leave the west side senior center on Court Street (near the finish line) at 6:30am
Safety:
The course is restricted to registered runners, wheelchair division athletes and official race personnel. We strongly discourage the use of headphones.
Price:
Entry postmarked by June 10, 2008 $30.00
Entry postmarked by June 11 through June 30, 2008 $40.00
No race day registration.
Packet Pickup:
Health and Fitness Expo
Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12
Chips:
Each participant is responsible for the return of their chip. A replacement fee will be charged if the ChampionChip is not returned.
