Registration Opening for 2026 Boolermaker Kids Run in Utica

Halloween fun is getting ready to hit the ground running in Utica.

The Boolermaker Kids Run is returning to F.T. Proctor Park this October, giving kids a chance to throw on their costumes, lace up their sneakers and celebrate Halloween with a little exercise thrown in.

But parents may want to set a reminder now becase registration is limited to just 500 kids.

Boolermaker Registration Opens September 14

Registration for the 2026 Boolermaker Kids Run opens at 10 a.m. Monday, September 14. Registration costs just $10 per child, and the event is open to kids ages 4 through 13.

The Boolermaker will be held Saturday, October 24 at F.T. Proctor Park in Utica, with the fun beginning at 10 a.m.

Boilermaker Volunteers Needed for Several Central New York Fall Events

Only the first 500 kids will be able to register, so this is probably one you don't want to wait until the last minute to sign up for.

There's a Race for Every Age

You don't have to have a future Boilermaker Road Race champion on your hands, either.

The Boolermaker is designed to be a fun, family-friendly event with flat courses and distances based on age and ability.

The races include:

1/4 mile: Special needs children ages 4-13
1/4 mile: Ages 4-6
1/2 mile: Ages 7-8
3/4 mile: Ages 9-10
1 mile: Ages 11-13

Parents are also allowed to run alongside their children.

Yes, Costumes Are Encouraged

It wouldn't be the Boolermaker without a little Halloween fun.

Kids are encouraged to wear costumes, as long as they're safe to run in. Organizers ask parents to make sure kids have appropriate footwear and avoid anything that could become a tripping hazard.