Empire State Race-Off presented by the Boilermaker

The goal of the Empire State Challenge is three-fold:

1) Figure out, once and for all (or at least until 2021), which is the best running community in New York State while encouraging friendly rivalry and regional competition, all in a safe manner.

2) Engage runners, walkers and hikers across New York State and the country to get up, get active and have during the beautiful fall season.

3) Raise funds for United Way’s across New York State to help them continue their important work in the face of challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic.

• The challenge runs from September 16th – October 31st.
• The challenge is all about accumulated mileage although you may report your times as well.
  • It does not matter how you accumulate your mileage as long as you use you are putting foot to ground*. For example:
  • Running, walking and even hiking mileage is all allowed.
  • Biking, swimming, rowing mileage is not valid.
  • *One exception exists for wheelchair athletes who are allowed to accrue mileage using their chairs. 
• You will report your total mileage through your RunSignUp account. The more frequently you update your mileage, the more accurately we’ll be able to keep score!
• You will be required to select one of 10 New York State regions when you register: (Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, Long Island, Mid-Hudson, New York City, North Country, Rochester, Syracuse or Utica-Rome)
  • This is the New York State region you’ll be representing in the Empire State Race-Off.
  • You may select any region you’d like.
  • Don’t worry, you can’t hurt your region’s score by not accumulating mileage. You can only help!
• The regional leaderboard will be updated on Wednesday morning of each week. This is how you can tell which regions are crushing it and which ones need to step up their game!
• In addition to the regional leaderboard, there will be an individual leaderboard and a team leaderboard for sub-teams that will be updated in real-time as mileage is reported.
• Sub-teams are encouraged and are separate from your overall, regional team.
  • You will have the option to create or join a sub-team within the overall Empire State Race-Off and see how you stack up against running teams from across the state.
  • There are registration discounts available for members of all teams with more than 10 runners.

• All registrants will receive a custom, lightweight, performance, long-sleeve shirt with hood. Your shirt will even include the New York State region for which you are running!
• All registrants will receive a medal with attached magnet and bottle opener as well as their region etched on. 
• Downloadable finisher's certificate to commemorative your achievement
• Membership to exclusive Facebook community
• Discounts to other Boilermaker events

• The Empire State Race-Off offers a variety of opportunities for discounted registration including a generous referral program.
• Upon registration, you will receive a unique referral link on the confirmation page and in your confirmation e-mail.
• You earn referrals by inviting your friends and family to register using your referral link.
  • You will earn $5 back for every 5 referrals up to 25 referrals.
  • Funds will be credited back to your credit card as you achieve these referral milestones.

• All registrants are required to select one of 10 New York State regions to represent in the challenge; however, registrants are also permitted and encouraged to form or join teams within the overall challenge.
• Teams can be running clubs, businesses, families or even just a group of friends.
• Once a team reaches 10 members, all members will receive $5 credited back to their credit card and all additional members will receive $5 off their registration.