UTICA — While Boilermaker Road Race participants are picking up their official race bibs, they will also have the chance to learn even more about living a healthy lifestyle. And their families and the public as well are welcome to join the healthy living fun.
“The Boilermaker Health and Wellness Expo presented by Mohawk Valley Health System is the place where Boilermaker participants gather to collect their race bibs and incentives,” said Boilermaker Road Race President Mark Donovan. “Additionally, they can get information about the race, purchase running-related apparel and more from the many vendors in attendance, as well as collect information from the many community groups in attendance. There will also be several businesses that will be using their booths as a hiring opportunity.”
The expo returns from noon to 7 p.m. Friday and from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday on Mohawk Valley Community College’s Utica campus, 1101 Sherman Drive. Advance registration is not needed to attend.
There are more than 80 groups, ranging from not-for-profits to vendors, selling various goods, as well as the presenting sponsor, MVHS, that will be providing health screenings. And everyone should also check out the Excellus BlueCross BlueShield booth, Donovan recommended.
“They’re planning a special 360-degree photo booth that promises to be something special,” he intimated.
There will be more than 120 booths. Donovan said all inside booths at the Expo are sold out, but if someone is looking for an outside space, they were still able to accommodate that request at press time.
Donovan said Saturday will feature the Utica National Kids Run as well as the Boilermaker Walk presented by Slocum Dickson Medical Group. While the Kids Run is sold out, there are still bibs available at press time for either the three-or four-mile walk, both starting at the Expo and traveling through T.R. and F.T. Proctor Parks.
To pick up a race packet for the 15K presented by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield or the 5K presented by Utica National, both held Sunday, runners must have their confirmation email and a photo I.D.
This year’s Boilermaker merchandise will be available in the Boilermaker Store, Donovan said. Each year, there are new designs featuring the year’s logo in numerous styles, ranging from T-shirts to sweatshirts and everything in between.
Several businesses will also be selling running shoes, runners’ nutrition products and other race- and runner-related items; basically, anything a runner could possibly need will be available for purchase at the expo, Donovan said.
The Boilermaker events bring out both participants and spectators who all have a common enthusiasm for the sport and for supporting each other, Donovan said.
“The running community is really special because while everyone is competing on race day, they are also very supportive of each other,” he explained. “The expo is a great melting pot where runners and the public gather together to talk about the upcoming race and share stories from the past year.”
For more information, visit www.boilermaker.com/expo.
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