For those who do not know, the Boilermaker is a huge race in Utica, NY and this year is the 41st year of the race. There is a 15K, 5K, wheelchair race, and a fun run for kids. This race brings in 15,000 people every year! In those 15,000, there are people from all over the world including Kenya and Morocco, to name a few. The entire race is filled with people cheering you on, yes the entire 9.3 miles! Wearing headphones is not necessary for this race and it is not advised. One of our good family friends, Larry, ran this race in its beginning years before there were this many people doing it. Now it is huge and he has convinced us of the fun it has to offer.
About 6 years ago, Larry and his wife invited us to Delta Lake State Park while they were camping for the race. While we were there we thought, jeez this looks so fun! The following year I signed up for the 15K and my dad the 5K. Since then we all are now running the 5K for multiple reasons:
1. You probably don't have to train, so signing up 4 months in advance you know you can finish it.
2. It's cheaper.
3. Most importantly, you get to the after party first. Meaning, all the kegs of Saranac beer, all the chobani yogurts, and all the food you get after the race you most likely will not have to wait in a long line for.
Of course, the downfall is that you don't get to say you ran the 15K. Something we all decided we could live with.
Friday my dad picked me up at the train station and we headed to the expo. One of my favorite things about this race is the expo. After picking up your bib you have the opportunity to check out tons of vendors. Some are supplements, shoes, clothing, charity, food, and other races to sign up for. Dad and I bought shirts, shoes, and some delicious bourbon maple syrup. Now, that's only inside. Outside there is a Chobani truck with tons of flavors to try and take home. There are also a few other food trucks to eat at as well.
Finally, we drove to Delta Lake State Park where we all camp the weekend of the race. The group in total were 9 of us and 7 of us ran in the race. Once Dad and I set up our tents we headed out to watch the sunset on our kayaks.
In the morning, we woke up and made toast on our fire before heading out for another kayaking adventure. We decided to paddle around the island, but we barely made it because the water is so low.
We watched the sunset and fire works and ate some s'mores by the fire the night before the big race.
By 8am we were enjoying the post race party with our Saranac beer!
For someone who only ran 3 times the week before the race, I am so proud of my dad for running the entire time! Maybe our new sneakers gave him extra power. After we left the party we hung out with some friends we met at the Boilermaker and went tubing.
Dad and I decided to splash each other while in our kayaks before heading in. We all sat together by the fire and laughed about the funny things we saw during the race, such as two people dressed up as a gorilla and a banana. We laughed about previous race experiences and talked about maybe doing the 15K next year...but no promises.
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