When community spirit meets childhood joy, magic happens on the streets of Utica. This Saturday, October 25, 2025, FT Proctor Park will transform into a Halloween-themed hub of energy as hundreds of kids lace up their sneakers for the Boolermaker Kids Run.
The event isn’t just another race—it’s a celebration of youth, fitness, and community values that the Mohawk Valley holds dear. Presented by GPO Federal Credit Union and supported by Hannaford, this family-friendly fun run represents everything we love about our region: neighbors supporting neighbors, businesses investing in our children’s wellbeing, and families coming together for healthy, active fun.
What Makes the Boolermaker Special?
For kids ages 4-13, the Boolermaker offers perfectly tailored race distances that match their abilities:
- 1/4 mile for our youngest runners (ages 4-6)
- 1/2 mile for children ages 7-8
- 3/4 mile for kids ages 9-10
- Full mile for ages 11-13
- Special Needs 1/4 mile (all ages welcome, with wheelchairs and strollers accommodated)
At just $10 per registration, every young participant receives a Boolermaker t-shirt, an impressive finisher’s medal, and a goody bag packed with treats. According to the Boilermaker Road Race organization, approximately 500 children are expected to participate, making this one of Central New York’s largest youth running events.
More Than Just Running Shoes
The Boolermaker isn’t simply about crossing finish lines. It’s part of the Boilermaker’s broader community outreach programming—an extension of the values that have made the main Boilermaker 15K race famous as the “Best 15K in the USA” for 49 consecutive years.
Costumes are not just allowed—they’re encouraged! Kids can show up dressed as superheroes, princesses, zombies, or their favorite characters. (Just leave the capes at home for safety reasons, as local media reminds us.) This Halloween twist adds an extra layer of excitement that transforms a youth race into a full-fledged celebration.
A Day Designed for Families
Schedule for Saturday, October 25:
- 9:00 AM – Check-in opens, along with activities, face painting, photo opportunities, and warm-up exercises
- 10:00 AM – Race heats begin for all distance categories
Parents are welcome to run alongside their children, making this an ideal bonding experience. The flat courses at FT Proctor Park (located at 1938 Rutger Street) ensure that runners of all abilities can participate safely and successfully.
Community Partnership in Action
GPO Federal Credit Union’s sponsorship of this event exemplifies the credit union’s deep commitment to Central New York families. As a federally insured, member-owned financial cooperative established in 1978, GPO FCU has grown to serve over 41,955 members across the region.
This partnership isn’t surprising given GPO’s track record. Throughout 2025, the credit union has served as the Front Line and Finish Line Sponsor of the main Boilermaker event and has consistently supported community initiatives from school CPR training kits to local fundraisers. Their “Our Focus is You” mission statement comes to life through events like the Boolermaker that directly benefit our children.
Why Youth Running Matters
In an era when childhood obesity rates continue to climb and screen time dominates young lives, events like the Boolermaker Kids Run offer something invaluable: positive experiences with physical activity that can shape lifelong habits.
Research consistently shows that children who participate in organized physical activities:
- Develop stronger cardiovascular systems
- Build confidence and self-esteem
- Learn goal-setting and perseverance
- Form social connections with peers
- Establish healthy lifestyle patterns
The Boolermaker delivers all these benefits wrapped in a package of Halloween fun, community celebration, and achievable challenges tailored to different age groups.
The Boilermaker Legacy
The Boolermaker Kids Run operates under the umbrella of the legendary Boilermaker Road Race, now in its 49th year. The main event consistently attracts elite runners from around the globe, including Olympians and world record holders, while featuring what many consider the sport’s best post-race party hosted by The F.X. Matt Brewing Company.
This youth version carries forward that spirit of excellence while making it accessible and age-appropriate for our youngest community members. It’s about planting seeds—showing kids that running can be joyful, that physical challenges are conquerable, and that our community celebrates their efforts.
Looking Ahead
While online registration has closed for this year’s event, families interested in future Boilermaker programming can visit boilermaker.com for updates on upcoming events throughout the year.
For Utica and the broader Mohawk Valley region, the Boolermaker Kids Run represents more than a morning of racing. It’s a statement about our priorities as a community—that we invest in our children’s health, that we create opportunities for family engagement, and that we celebrate the simple joy of kids being active, having fun, and achieving goals.
As hundreds of costumed kids sprint, jog, and walk across finish lines this Saturday morning, they’ll be doing more than earning medals. They’ll be writing another chapter in the Mohawk Valley’s story—one that values health, celebrates youth, and brings neighbors together.
Your Turn
Are you planning to attend the Boolermaker Kids Run this Saturday? Have your children participated in past Boilermaker youth events? We’d love to hear about your experiences and see photos from race day! Share your stories in the comments below and help us celebrate the young athletes of Central New York.
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