It was another Boilermaker for the books. The annual road race that is held every year in July took place later this year due to the pandemic. But racers didn’t seem to mind the cooler weather. The winner of the 44th race was a Syracuse native.
Close to 7,000 people participated in this year’s race.
What You Need To Know
- The Boilermaker is always the second Sunday in July, but this was the first time it was held in October due to COVID
- All runners had to be vaccinated
- Stephen Rathbun is the first U.S. male to win since 1991
- 3,480 runners finished the 15k race
Capacity was limited to 15,000 runners for the 15k race earlier this summer, but then was brought down to 9,000.
“[It was] definitely less crowded, could get a better stride,” runner Adrienne Haase said. “You know different, feel though without as much of a crowd, but pros and cons.
“My dad started running in the 80’s and I used to spectate and watch him when I was really little. So it kind of got me interested in running.’’
All runners had to be vaccinated this year to participate. Even though the $10,000 prize was off the table this year, combined with a later start time and cooler temperatures, runners were still in good spirits.
“I love seeing people,” runner Demetria Lunny said. “I love the event, the energy and the conditioning of the body. It’s an awesome experience. I’m so happy to be back.”
This year elite runners, many who come from other countries, were not invited due to COVID-19. So for the first time since 1991, a man from the U.S. won the race.
“I’m shocked, being from Syracuse and running this almost 10 times,” winner Stephen Rathbun said.
Rathbun has run the Boilermaker eight times, even virtually last year.
“I ran it last year as a virtual but on the actual course,” he said. “It’s fun to come with people this year, it’s huge.”
3,480 runners finished the 15k race.
