Sitrin Riggie Run & Walk

🏃‍♂️ Race 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.

🤝 Community and Support

In addition to innovative treatment, Sitrin offers the Military Civilian Coalition, designed to promote camaraderie, advocacy, educational opportunities, and transitional support to civilian life. The group meets at various locations in the community and enables veterans and civilians to interact through social and athletic endeavors. Activities include:

• Annual Retreat: Warrior Retreat at Camp Sitrin.
• Fitness Activities: TRX Suspension Training, yoga, biking.
• Leisure Activities: Golf, fly fishing, gardening.
• Creative Therapy: Therapeutic hand drumming and more.

🏅 Event Details

The 3rd Annual Riggie Run, Walk & Riggiefest will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the SUNY Polytechnic Institute campus. It will feature:

• 5K Options: 5K Run, 5K Riggie Challenge, 5K Wheelchair Race, 5K Wheelchair Riggie Challenge.
• Family-Friendly: 2-Mile Walk, 1-Mile Kids Run.
• New Initiative: Teaming up with the Utica Roadrunners Skeleton Run for a two-run series with incentives.
• Discounts: $5 off registrations for those participating in both events.

🍽️ Riggie Challenge

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 ($10 entry fee).

🕒 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.
• Walk: 10:15 a.m.
• Riggiefest: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

📦 Packet Pickup

Packet Pickup: Saturday, October 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Sneaker Store in New Hartford - 24 Genesee Street, New Hartford, NY 13413.

🔗 More Information

For more details, please visit the registration page: Riggie Run Registration.