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.

Community Engagement

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: Annual Warrior Retreat, TRX Suspension Training
• Sports: Golf, fly fishing, gardening, yoga
• Engagement: Biking, therapeutic hand drumming, and more

Event Details

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

• Races: 5K Run, 5K Riggie Challenge, 5K Wheelchair Race, 5K Wheelchair Riggie Challenge
• Options: 2-Mile Walk, 1-Mile Kids Run

Incentives

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:

• Discount: $5 discount on both race registrations
• Perks: Additional swag!

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: Awarded to the winners of each age division
• Riggiefest: 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.

Race Day Schedule

• Registration: 8:30 a.m.
• 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.

The Riggiefest will commence at the conclusion of the Run & Walk from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Timing and Packet Pickup

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 details, visit the official race page: Riggie Run & Walk.