• The Boilermaker Charity Bib Program raised $55,000 for local nonprofits in 2024.
• The program has raised nearly $800,000 for local nonprofit organizations since its inception in 2013.

• Applications for the 2025 program will be available at boilermaker.com from October 7 to November 15.

UTICA, N.Y. (August 21, 2024) – Boilermaker officials announced today that the 2024 Boilermaker Charity Bib Program presented by Wolfspeed raised $55,000 for participating nonprofit organizations. Sixteen local organizations were selected to participate via an application process overseen by an independent committee, representing causes including cancer research, animal welfare, suicide prevention, and more.

The Charity Bib Program provides free bibs for either the Boilermaker 15K presented by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield or 5K presented by Utica National Insurance Group in exchange for fundraising efforts. Funds raised go directly to the organization, which uses them to enhance the lives of community members in Oneida, Herkimer, Madison, and Onondaga counties.

“Each year, we receive applications from incredible organizations doing critical work in our community,” said Boilermaker President Mark Donovan. “Being able to play a small role in their fundraising efforts is an honor for our organization.”

The Boilermaker Charity Bib Program began in 2013 as a way to give back to the community and provide a unique method of entry – and inspiration – to runners. Countless runners have taken on the challenge of running the Boilermaker motivated by their support of an organization or important cause. The program has raised nearly $800,000 for area nonprofits over the last 11 years.

“At its heart, the Boilermaker is a community event,” said Donovan. “Community outreach programming like the Charity Bib Program allows us to give back to the community that has given us so much over the last 47 years.”

Nonprofit organizations interested in participating in 2025 must fill out an application. Applications will be available at boilermaker.com starting Monday, October 7 and must be submitted by Friday, November 15. A third-party committee will review all applications and allocate available bibs, which selected organizations can use to incentivize fundraising. Runners must raise a minimum of $500 to earn their bib for either the 15K or 5K races, in-person or virtual.

The Charity Bib Program is one of several Community Outreach Programs offered by the Boilermaker. The Access Program presented by Wolfspeed, which started in 2022, creates a pathway to participate in Boilermaker events for those with financial limitations, providing free entries and assistance with footwear to the underprivileged, underserved, and immigrant/refugee communities in Oneida County. The organization also has a Community Garden, which provides produce for Mother Marianne’s West Side Kitchen, and offers youth fitness programming throughout the year.

For more information or to be notified when Charity Bib Program applications are available, please visit boilermaker.com.