Development Runs

The 2024 Development Run Season Are Back!

Officially Starting May 1st

See results/times for 2023 runs here.

Registration

  • Non-club members will have to sign the waiver to participate in the Development Runs. You can sign the waiver ahead of time. This link takes you to a version you can print from online or click here for a downloadable Word document. This waiver is good for the entire season.
  • In person registration will take place starting at 5:30 by the Start/Finish Line in the upper parking, not in the Rec Center itself. Look for the Roadrunners tent!
  • Everyone will receive a new Development Run registration number upon registration that will be good for the entire season - including previous runners and Utica Roadrunners members.

Entry Fee

Start Times

  • The Kids Fun Runs (2/10 mile and 1/2 mile) start at 6:15PM
  • Runners completing the 2 mile, 5K, or 10K will all start together on the Parkway at 6:30PM

Courses

  • The 2/10 mile Kids Fun Run will take place on the lawn near the finish line of the 5K and 10K runs.
  • The 1/2 mile Kids Fun Run will run up the Memorial Parkway sidewalk to the Utica Zoo entrance and back.
  • The 2 mile, 5K, and 10K will start on the sidewalk near the Memorial Parkway and travel up into Roscoe Conkling Park. See the course map below.

Refreshments

  • There will be one water station, at the 2 mile turnaround.
  • Water will also be available at the finish.
  • Please try your best to throw out your cups.

T-Shirts and Medals

  • Medals will be awarded to children ages 2 – 18 participating in 10 of the 20 weekly events.
  • T-shirts will be awarded to anyone who participates in 15 of the 20 weekly runs.

Information

Volunteers

Looking to get your 1,000 Mile Red Jacket? Want to just help out and be a part of the community? We are always looking for volunteers to help with registration, water, set up, and clean up. Members will receive credit towards earning their 1,000 Mile Red Jacket. Go to our volunteer page and fill out the form to connect you with all the volunteer opportunities.

Check out the course map!

course map for development runs

10K Detailed Routes

Here is the 10K route through the Switchbacks. You can also follow this route on Plot A Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2254336?units=miles

Map of 10K run

Runners doing the 10K should go up the hill and turn left at the water station, looping down to the Switchbacks gate where there is a small parking lot and usually a water stop. Head through the gate and up toward the pavilion to enter the Switchbacks.

After entering the Switchbacks, stay to the right. After the first few turns, continue to stay to the right (the main path) at the bench. Follow the main path for quite a while up past the "Christmas Tree" that is decorated with ornaments and as you come down and around. Avoid the side paths coming off on the right side. You'll hit a T at the same bench from earlier, turn right onto the path. Curve back around a few times to return to the pavilion and gate.

Head back up the hill toward the water station, and go straight past up to the Eagle. Stay on the main road, and turn right just at the loop where the large Eagle statue is. Go around that loop, and turn left to come back down the road you came up. Turn left again at the water station and head down the hill on the golf course. Stay left at the bottom of the golf course and run down the sidewalk, past the Zoo entrance, to the end line just past where you started.

5K Detailed Routes

Here is the 5K route to the Eagle and back. You can also follow this route on Plot A Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2254358?units=miles

5K Run map

Runners doing the 5K should go up the hill and turn right at the water station. Run up the hill, staying on the main road. Turn right again just at the loop where the large Eagle statue is. Go around that loop, and turn left to come back down the road you came up. Turn left again at the water station and head down the hill on the golf course. Stay left at the bottom of the golf course and run down the sidewalk, past the Zoo entrance, to the end line just past where you started.