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Utica, New York15K Second Sunday of July

Boilermaker Road Race Weather & What to Wear

A hilly 15K through Utica, with the big climb early and a finish at the brewery. Mid-July mornings in the Mohawk Valley are often warm and humid.

The quick answer

Plan for about 69°F (21°C) at the 08:00 start, feeling like 72°F (22°C), with 80% humidity and 5 mph wind, warming to roughly 72°F (22°C) by the finish. It rained on 5 of the last 10 race days. Wear: Singlet or Tank, Running Shorts, Running Cap, Waterproof Jacket, Sunscreen.

Feels like 72°F (22°C) at the start · finish 72°F (22°C) · rain 5 of 10 · start air from 62°F (17°C) to 76°F (24°C)

Race-day weather, 2016 to 2025

Conditions at the 08:00 start on the race's usual date each year (second Sunday of July). Years when the race was cancelled or moved still show that date's weather. Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 archive.

No time in mind?
← PR band2025warmest202420232022202120202019201820172016coldest60°F70°F80°F90°F

Bar: air temperature from start to finish · dot: feels-like effective temperature · ≫ windy (15+ mph) · rain · shaded: PR band 40–50°F

See the numbers
YearStart tempFeels likeFinishHumidityWindRainSky
202576°F (24°C)84°F79°F89%6 mph1.62 inRain
202473°F (23°C)79°F77°F76%1 mph–Clear
202371°F (22°C)75°F75°F84%5 mph0.68 inDrizzle
202264°F (18°C)64°F68°F66%0 mph–Mostly clear
202168°F (20°C)71°F72°F85%2 mph0.58 inOvercast
202070°F (21°C)72°F72°F92%13 mph0.45 inDrizzle
201972°F (22°C)73°F73°F77%10 mph–Clear
201869°F (21°C)71°F73°F63%0 mph–Clear
201765°F (18°C)64°F68°F67%5 mph–Clear
201662°F (17°C)63°F63°F96%8 mph0.11 inDrizzle

Coldest start: 62°F (17°C) in 2016. Warmest: 76°F (24°C) in 2025. Wettest: 1.62 in in 2025.

How we estimate this

The time estimates apply published temperature–performance curves to this race's ten-year weather history. Performance peaks at an effective race temperature of roughly 40 to 50°F and degrades faster the warmer it gets and the slower you run (Ely et al., 2007; El Helou et al., 2012). Wind adds a cost that grows with the square of the wind speed (Pugh, 1971), split into head and tail components on point-to-point courses. Shorter races are penalised less. This is a model, not a prediction; your training and the course matter more.

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What to wear for a typical Boilermaker

Built from the 10-year average start conditions by the same engine as the live tool. Treat optional items as corral-only layers you can shed.

Upper body

  • essential

    Singlet or Tank

    Maximum breathability for hot conditions

  • essential

    Waterproof Jacket

    Breathable rain protection

Lower body

  • essential

    Running Shorts

    Lightweight with built-in brief

Accessories

  • essential

    Running Cap

    Keep rain out of eyes

  • recommended

    Sunglasses

    UV protection

  • essential

    Sunscreen

    SPF 30+ water-resistant

Footwear

  • recommended

    Trail or Waterproof Shoes

    Better grip and water resistance

Race-day tips for the Boilermaker

  • •Start conservatively. A start this warm costs 10 to 20 seconds per mile for most runners before humidity is even counted.
  • •Pre-hydrate the day before, take water at every station from the first one, and pour some on your head and neck rather than just drinking.
  • •Humidity here is high. Sweat will not evaporate well, so wear the lightest, most open fabric you own and apply anti-chafe balm generously.
  • •It has rained on 5 of the last 10 race days. Pack a brimmed cap and a disposable poncho for the start, and consider a second pair of socks for the drop bag.
  • •Nothing new on race day: run your long runs in exactly what you plan to race in, including the socks.

Race-day gear picks

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Frequently asked questions

What is the weather usually like for the Boilermaker Road Race?

Over 2016 to 2025 the start averaged 69°F (21°C) (feels like 72°F (22°C)) with 80% humidity and 5 mph wind, warming to about 72°F (22°C) by the finish. It rained measurably on 5 of those 10 race days. The coldest start was 62°F (17°C) in 2016; the warmest was 76°F (24°C) in 2025.

What should I wear for the Boilermaker?

For a typical 69°F (21°C) start: Singlet or Tank, Running Shorts, Running Cap, Waterproof Jacket, Sunscreen. Dress for about 15°F warmer than the start temperature, since the race itself adds that much, and plan to shed anything you only need in the corral.

When is the next Boilermaker?

The Boilermaker Road Race is usually held on second Sunday of July. The next expected date is Sunday, July 11, 2027. Confirm on the official site, since dates occasionally move.

How accurate is the race-day forecast?

The live forecast on this page comes from Open-Meteo and unlocks 16 days before the race. Forecasts inside 7 days are reliable for temperature within a few degrees; rain timing firms up in the last 2 to 3 days. Until then, the 10-year history above is the best planning guide.

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