UTICA, N.Y. (June 22, 2026) – The Boilermaker announced today the retirement of Earle C. Reed, founder of the Boilermaker road race, from its Board of Directors. The board also announced that Earle would assume the title of “Founder Emeritus,” allowing him to remain closely connected to the race he founded 49 years ago and continues to care deeply about.
“In the Fall of 1977, I was looking for a way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Utica Radiators Corporation in 1978. Developing a road race seemed like a natural fit, and working with a committee of approximately 14 local runners, we quickly put together the Boilermaker 15K and scheduled it for Sunday, July 16, 1978,” said Earle C. Reed. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would develop into one of the biggest and best 15K events in the country. I am especially proud of how the Boilermaker has been woven so deeply into the fabric of our community over its 49 years of existence and look forward to seeing it continue for years to come”.
“The tag line from the Boilermaker’s early years was ‘Utica Radiators to Utica Club’, representing the race’s start-to-finish landmarks. Our brewery, then known as The West End Brewing Company, was proud to be one of the founding sponsors,” said Fred Matt, President of the F.X. Matt Brewing Company and current Chairman of the Boilermaker Board of Directors. “Working with Earle over the years and seeing his tireless love for and devotion to the Boilermaker and our community has been a constant inspiration. We feel fortunate that he has agreed to stay involved with the Boilermaker in his new Founder Emeritus role.”
“Stepping into my role back in June of 2018 as a relative outsider was daunting given the enormous impact the Boilermaker had on our community over its then 40 year history,” said Mark Donovan, Boilermaker President. “From day one, Earle became my biggest cheerleader just as he had been for the Boilermaker and our community for decades. Without overstepping, he made sure he was present and available as a historian and mentor. His endurance as a runner was only overshadowed by his enduring commitment to the best 15K in the country and his community. I look forward to his continuing counsel in his new role as Founder Emeritus.”
####
Recognized as the “Best 15K in the USA”, the Boilermaker Road Race is in its 49th year. The Boilermaker, a proud member of the PRRO Circuit, is the premier event of Boilermaker Weekend. The race consistently attracts elite runners from all over the world, including Olympians and world record holders, and features distance running’s most enthusiastic fans, as well as the sport’s best post-race party, hosted by The F.X. Matt Brewing Company. To register for other Boilermaker events, visit the official Boilermaker website at boilermaker.com.
