Sitrin Riggie Run & Walk

Lace up your running shoes for a uniquely Utica experience at the Sitrin Riggie Run & Walk, taking place on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the scenic SUNY Polytechnic Institute campus in Utica, NY. This event offers a variety of distances to suit every participant, including a 3.1-mile (5K) Run, a 5K Wheelchair Race, a 2-Mile Walk, and a 1-Mile Kids Run. What truly sets this race apart is the optional and legendary "Riggie Challenge," where 5K participants test both their speed and their appetite by savoring a bowl of Utica's famous Chicken Riggies at the halfway point before continuing to the finish line.

Beyond the challenge, the Sitrin Riggie Run & Walk is a significant fundraiser for Sitrin's Military Program, which has, for over a decade, provided comprehensive, complimentary care to post-9/11 veterans and service members facing challenges such as PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. This heartwarming cause creates an inspiring atmosphere, with past events drawing hundreds of participants and raising substantial funds for veteran care. Typical race day conditions in mid-October offer crisp autumn weather, with highs around 62°F and lows around 43°F, and only a 20% chance of precipitation, providing an ideal climate for a memorable race.

The excitement doesn't end at the finish line. All participants are invited to the lively "Riggiefest," held in the Wildcat Field House (or Student Center), where local restaurants showcase their unique interpretations of Chicken Riggies, a beloved regional dish featuring rigatoni pasta, chicken, hot and sweet peppers in a creamy tomato sauce. Runners and walkers can enjoy tastings at no extra cost and cast their vote for the area's best riggies, turning the post-race celebration into a flavorful competition. This event promises a fun, engaging, and delicious way to support a vital cause, making it a must-do on your race calendar.