Sitrin Riggie Run & Walk

Event Overview

For more than ten years, the Sitrin Health Care Center’s Annual Stars & Stripes Run & Walk for our Nation’s Heroes has served as the primary fundraiser for Sitrin’s Military Program. This unique program provides comprehensive, complimentary care to post-9/11 veterans and service members affected by post-traumatic stress, suicidal ideations, traumatic brain injuries, depression, and other combat-related conditions.

Military Civilian Coalition

In addition to innovative treatment, Sitrin offers the Military Civilian Coalition, designed to promote camaraderie, advocacy, educational opportunities, and transitional support to civilian life.

• Community Engagement: The group meets at various locations in the community and enables veterans and civilians to interact through social and athletic endeavors.
• Activities: Activities include the annual Warrior Retreat at Camp Sitrin, TRX Suspension Training, golf, fly fishing, gardening, yoga, biking, therapeutic hand drumming, and more.

Event Details

With a continued focus on supporting veterans and service members, Sitrin is excited to continue this event every year to support local veteran care!

The 4th Annual Riggie Run, Walk & Riggiefest will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the SUNY Polytechnic Institute campus, and will feature:

• 5K Run: Standard race option
• 5K Riggie Challenge: Includes consumption of chicken riggies
• 5K Wheelchair Race: Accessible race option
• 2-Mile Walk: A leisurely walk
• 1-Mile Kids Run: Fun for the younger participants

Incentives and Challenges

Returning this year, the Riggie Run is teaming up with the Utica Roadrunners Skeleton Run (10/18/26) for a two-run series that will offer incentives for participants who register for both events. These include a $5 discount on both race registrations and additional swag!

5K Run and Wheelchair participants will have the opportunity to register for the Riggie Challenge in which they will be required to consume one bowl of chicken riggies at the halfway point of the race. For those who wish not to engage in the Challenge, a traditional 5K division will be offered. Prizes will be awarded to the winners of each age division.

Additionally, at the conclusion of the Run & Walk, a Riggiefest will be featured in the Wildcat Field House in which local restaurants will showcase their version of this famous Utica dish. All paid participants will be invited to taste the various entries, at no additional cost, and cast a vote to determine the area’s best riggies. Community members are also invited to attend for a fee - $10 for adults, children 6-11 is $5 and children under 5 are free.

Schedule

Registration will take place at 8:30 a.m., with the following schedule:

• Kids 1-Mile Run: 9:30 a.m.
• 5K Wheelchair Race: 10:05 a.m.
• 5K Run: 10:10 a.m.
• 2-Mile Walk: 10:15 a.m.
• Riggiefest: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (post-run)

Timing and Awards

In addition, both the 5K Run and Wheelchair Race will be chip timed, providing runners with accurate times and instantaneous race results!

Packet Pickup

Saturday, October 10 from 11am to 3pm at The Sneaker Store in New Hartford - 24 Genesee Street, New Hartford, NY 13413

Refund Policy

NO REFUNDS

Additional Information

For more information, please visit the official race website: Riggie Run & Walk.