50th ANNUAL FALLING LEAVES ROAD RACE Presented by Utica First Insurance

The fall classic is back once again this Sunday, September 22nd 2024!  This year we are running 50 years strong.  Join the Utica Roadrunners in downtown Utica at the State Office Building for the 5k or the scenic switchbacks 14k.  We have a kid's run too!  We are proud to announce that the 14K has been selected as a 2024 RRCA Eastern Region Championship Event  In addition to those sweet shirts, finishers will receive a special 50th Anniversary medal. Please join us for the post-race party and awards ceremony at DoubleTree by Hilton Utica. There will be awards for overall winners and age group winners for the 5k and 14k.  If you are interested in being a volunteer or a sponsor, please send us a message.

Packet Pick up and Registration:

• Registration fees will increase to $50 after online registration is closed.  Cash, check, and Venmo will be accepted.
• The first packet pick up is Saturday,  9/21 from 10am-4pm at the Sneaker Store. Stop on by for some great deals on shoes, apparel, and other runner goodies! KIDS RUN PACKETS ARE ONLY PICKED UP ON RACE MORNING.
• The second pack pick up is Sunday, 9/22 beginning at 7am at DoubleTree by Hilton Utica (NOT the Delta Marriott hotel).  You can also register at the DoubleTree the day of the race until 8:30am. Kids Race Runners can pick up their bib and shirt at 7 am on SUNDAY ONLY.

Course Descriptions:

• The 5k course starts on a light incline for the first half mile. TURN RIGHT at the traffic circle to continue on to the 5k.  The course then flattens out for the rest of the mile (mile 1 is near the corner of Oswego St.). The start of the second mile inclines slightly and finishes flat. The remaining 1.1 mile is pretty much the first mile in reverse.
• The 14k course starts out the same as the 5k, on a light incline for the first half mile. TURN LEFT at the traffic circle to continue on the 14k. The course then flattens out for the rest of the mile. Mile two continues up a slight incline and starts up a slightly tougher incline up the Parkway. Mile three works it's way up Valley View and into the park. The next three miles are the scenic but challenging switchbacks and park roads. The next mile is mostly downhill. The rest of the race is the more casual downhill of Oneida and Genesee Streets with a fast finish.

See you at the start line!