July 12, 2026 (Utica, NY)- The women were setting the records at this year’s Boilermaker Road
Race 15K presented by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. The Boilermaker Women’s Open Record
has been set today by Tsigie Gebreselama of Ethiopia. With a time of 47:29, she edged out the
previous record of 47:33 set by Edna Kiplagat back in 2023. Also setting a new record in the
Women’s Master’s Division was Priscah Cherono of Kenya at 48:15, who crushed the previous
record of 49:11 by Edna Kiplagat of Kenya.
A new champion was crowned in the Men’s Open Division as Alex Matata of Kenya pulled
ahead of the pack heading up Master Garden Road just after mile 4, finishing in 42:24, nearly 30
seconds faster than second-place winner Kiprono Sitruk of Kenya.
Reid Buchanan of Kansas City, Missouri, placed as the American champion, finishing the race in
43:38 and placing fourth overall. On the women’s side, Stephanie Bruce from Flagstaff, AZ
placed as the first American woman with a time of 50:40.
Canadian Josh Cassidy won for the second year in a row, posting 33:24 to edge his 34:50 from
last year. For her third win in a row, Hoda Elshorbagy of Illinois won the women’s wheelchair
division in 41:51.
20-year-old Thomas River of Carlisle, MA, won the 5K Road Race presented by Utica National
in 16:19. Dorcas Huang, of Philadelphia, PA, won the women’s open division of the 5K at 18:04.
This year’s 15K race saw 9118 finishers, with 4204 crossing the finish line for the 5K, up from
8640 and 3970, respectively, in 2025. “With incredible weather and event records being set, it was a perfect day,” said Mark Donovan,
Boilermaker president. “Looking ahead to the 50th year of the Boilermaker Road Race set for
2027, the energy of this year is sure to carry us through.”
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PHOTO CAPTIONS
Tsigie Gebreselama crosses the finish line to win the 2026 Boilermaker 15K
presented by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.
Recognized as the “Best 15K in the USA”, the Boilermaker Road Race is in its 49
th 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 and 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. Hotel accommodations and information about other
local attractions can also be found on the site.
