The Dick Mattia Falling Leaves Volunteer Award
The Dick Mattia Falling Leaves Volunteer Award is presented annually at the Falling Leaves Road Race to the person that has contributed to the running community with their long-standing dedication as a volunteer and promotion of running. The award was established to recognize Dick's contributions within the Greater Utica running community. Dick's involvement with the inception of the Boilermaker 15K road race in 1978 continues today with organizing the invited runner field each year. Additionally, Dick held volunteer roles with the Utica Roadrunners, and with his position at the American Heart Association, he assisted in the growth of America's Greatest Heart Run/Walk to over 8,000 participants annually. It is in the spirit that the recipient of this annual award is recognized for their efforts to promote the sport of running.