Erie Canal Half

2020 EVENT CANCELED, offering virtual race option.
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The Erie Canal Half Marathon started as The National Distance Running Hall of Fame Race and was established in 1999 by the Utica Roadrunners. In 2016, the race became the Erie Canal Half and the focus has shifted to celebrating Utica’s rich history by showcasing its oldest and most exciting neighborhood, Bagg’s Square. The course is an out-and-back with much of the route along the scenic Erie Canal, the engineering marvel that put Utica on the map before returning to Bagg’s Square and finishing INSIDE the Adirondack Bank Center, home of the AHL’s Utica Comets, The race is followed by a post-race celebration right on the arena floor with food, drink and of course, Saranac beer for purchase! The Erie Canal Race is a weekend event, kicking off with a FREE kids’ run on Saturday. The event is organized by the Boilermaker Road Race, which also puts on the world famous Boilermaker 15K every second Sunday in July. Proceeds from the event benefits the Save of the Day Foundation.

The main event begins at 8 AM on Whitesboro Street outside of the Adirondack Bank Center. The course begins by winding through historic Bagg’s Square before turning onto the scenic Erie Canal trail and continuing to the Lock 20 State Canal Park. Runners will follow the same route back and cross the finish line inside the Adirondack Bank Center for a post race celebration. Spectators are encouraged to attend along the course and inside the Adirondack Bank Center! Time limit for the half marathon is 3 hours and 15 minutes (15 min/mile pace).