I actually never heard of this race.

Apparently it used to be a half marathon but they changed it to a 10 miler and relay in 2023.

The Boilermaker 15k is very popular (and I plan to run it for the first time this July.) It ends at the brewery and you get FREE beer.

I ran the Boilermaker 5k back in 2008 (my first year of running.)

But my friends Jenny and Linda talked me into it.. the cost if you registered early was $26.  They said that we would carpool and Linda’s hubby would drive us.

How could I say no?

DESCRIPTION:

The Boilermaker’s Erie Canal Races include a 10 Miler & Relay as well as a 5K. The courses start and finish on the track in the Ed Wadas Athletic Complex at Whitesboro High School in Marcy, NY.

They will cover the trail along the pedestrian bridge over Rt. 49 and make their way to the scenic & historic Erie Canalway Trail and then back. 

10-Mile runners will turn around just before the Harbor Point Lock and return on the trail to Whitesboro High School to finish on the track.

Elevation according to my Garmin:

Race incentives include a performance tee shirt* and a finisher’s medal Shirt is 100% polyester moisture-wicking short sleeve and is a crew neck for men and v-neck for women

Pre-Race Activities and Preparation:

I ran a half marathon on April 11.

 

Since there have been short runs on weekdays and a few longer runs on the weekends (8m, 10k, 5k, 6m).

Hopefully there will be some muscle memory in my legs because I definitely didn’t feel trained for the 10 mile distance.

But it was a new race for me, in a new location and with 2 friends.

And since I had another 10 mile race scheduled for the next weekend, I didn’t plan to go all out and get injured.

My 10 miler last year was Miles on the Mohawk  – 1:48:33 so my expectations for this one would be around 1:55.

Race Day:

The plan was to meet Jenny at 4:40am and then drive to Linda’s house.  Linda’s hubby was going to drive us to the race.  Though the race started at 8am, we had to pick up our bibs and we weren’t sure of the logistics.

That meant  3:30 am wake-up, have my coffee and oatmeal and get out the door by 4:30 am.

How’s that for a Sunday?

It’s been chilly until the day before so I still packed throwaways.

Not necessary. It was humid and warm!!

We got there plenty early.

There was coffee and snacks and easy packet pick up.

and real restrooms!!

We just walked  around…

Surprisingly there were other runners from our area that made the drive…

Soon it was time to line up.  No corrals.  Everyone started together (the 10 milers and the relay teams).

And off we went.

I started behind Linda but quickly lost her.

The race looped the the track and then exited onto the road.

We ran along traffic and over two bridges before we finally entered the bike path.

It was sunny (but luckily the sun went behind he clouds until the end of the race.)

The humidity did not leave!!

As always I started out to fast.  I’ll blame Linda becuase I was trying to keep her in my sight.

The bike path was a welcome sight.  A little shady and views of the river and canal.

Not much to say other than there were rolling hills. Nothing too challenging but these days, even an incline seems hard.

There were 3 water stops but since this was an out and back, you passed them twice.

I ran as long as I could and added more and more walk breaks as the race went on. If there was a hill or a water stop, I made sure to walk and save my energy.

I only brought 2 Gus with me and ate one at mile 4 and the other at mile 8. (Since my breakfast was at 4 am, I had eaten a waffle before the race.)

Though Linda had been way ahead, I was gaining on her and after the turn around, I passed her. The humidty (and her speedy start) was getting to her.

Me? My lower back ached per usual and I developed a blister on my right foot.

There was a lot of volunteers along the course and they were very supportive. As were the faster runners that passed me by.  I tried to do the same and cheer on the slower runners behind me.

Since it was an out and back, I knew exactly what was coming… the bridges and the roadway.

Finally I made back to the high school track.

Post Race Activities:

Linda was right behind me.

I immediately grabbed some watermelon and chocolate milk…

Picture time?

While Iwas waiting for Jenny to finish, I ate some of the post race refreshments: bagel and cream cheese and a few other snacks.

The went to see if I won an age group award.

Yup, I did! 3rd place (70+)

I chose a gift card to one of our local supermarkets.

Additional Race Reflections:

Well, another PW.  But it was not unexpected.  It was humid. I skipped my long runs.

I may have hoped for 1:47  but I predicted 1:55.

A 10 mile race completed. Win. Win.

Positives:

• Well organized race
• Lots of pre-race information
• Relay option
• Well marked scenic course
• Carpooling with 2 friends
• Free photos
• Only $26
• real restrooms
• gift cards as age group awards
• A great section of post race refreshments

Negatives:

• 70+ year age group awards
• No Gatorade at water stops
• 2 hour drive (hence early wake up call)

Would I recommend this race?

All in all, this was a fun race.  I would recommend it if you live closer. But I’m glad I ran it once.

Final Stats:

Next Up:

Happy Running! Did you race this weekend? Do you have a big races coming up?  Do you run many 10 milers? What is your favorite distance? Please share.

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Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

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and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs