Proud to Announce our Boilermaker Charity Bib Runners!

We are so happy to introduce you to the Boilermaker 2019 5K and 15K runners that will be taking part in the race with Boilermaker Charity Bibs for Kids Oneida! These five runners are both from our agency and from the neighborhood.

Funds raised through the Charity Bib Program will benefit Project HOME at Kids Oneida – a rapid rehousing program that offers housing as quickly as possible to homeless young adults ages 18-24 and provides intensive case management, supportive services, and rental assistance to help them successfully transition to, and remain in, permanent housing.

Stay tuned for ways that you can help them reach their fundraising goals... and we'll check in on their training progress as they're getting ready for the big day!

Steven Bulger
CEO/Executive Director at ICAN

Donate here! 

Running history:
I am not a runner by any means. Frankly, I’m exhausted even thinking about running the 5k. But... considering the obstacles our families face everyday, doing something less than pleasant for 30 minutes to benefit those we serve has made me excited about the idea of running for our families.

What is your favorite part of the Boilermaker?
I have run the 5k only once, which was two years ago. Hands down the crowd along the course is the best part. The encouragement and support along the course is second to none. 

What is your training mantra to get you to the finish line?
I don’t necessarily have a training mantra. I just plan to be ready to go come July 14th. Each day I hit the gym I’m picturing the finish line!

On a personal note...
Five years ago watching the Boilermaker and eating Holland Farms doughnuts, my wife and I questioned what kind of example we were setting for our kids. Are we those that take our health seriously or are we parents that crush doughnuts on the sidelines?! This will mark 4 years since then that our two young children will have cheered on a parent who has passed up the jelly bun for a Boilermaker bib. Nothing much sweeter than that for me!

Michelle McSweeney
Barista/Manager at Utica Coffee Roasting 

Donate here!

Running history: 
I got into it about 6 years ago and really enjoyed it. I haven’t run in quite some time so it’s kinda new again. 
 
What is your favorite part of the Boilermaker?
5 k 2013 and 2014 . Honestly, I love the the whole hometown hype, the flags at the start, the cheering all the way and the after party :) 
 
What is your training mantra to get you to the finish line? 
I’ve started a little treadmill running, and hit the pavement a few times. I’ve got a list of friends that are ready to join me in practicing.

On a personal note...
I am very excited to help raise funds for such an amazing asset to our community. 

Britney Whitney
Web Developer/Internet Marketing Specialist at Quadsimia

Donate here!

Running history:
After college, I ran my first 5k and fell in love. I couldn’t believe it took me that long to figure out how fun running can be AND the running community is so fun and passionate. I registered for the Boilermaker on a Charity Bib in 2017 - had a blast raising money and enjoying everything the Boilermaker has to offer. Two weeks before the race, I was riding my motorcycle and had a minor issue and the bike fell on me. I sprained my ankle and wasn’t able to actually run that year. SO, while I’ve participated in the Boilermaker from every aspect – riding in the media truck, handling their social media, participating in the pasta eating contest (I’m a 3x winner!) and “running” on a Charity Bib – I’ve never actually ran the Boilermaker.

What is your favorite part of the Boilermaker?
My favorite part is EVERYTHING! The entire experience. Working for Quadsimia and the Boilermaker has allowed me experiences beyond that of the average runner and I’m forever grateful. I was able to meet Erin Hamlin, Bill Rodgers, and Katherine Switzer. Watching the kids enjoy themselves during the Kids Run is amazing. And Boilermaker Sunday? Words can’t even describe the emotions that are present on that day.
 
What is your training mantra to get you to the finish line?
I’ve always loved the Shakespeare quote, “Though she be but little, she is fierce.” That is me. I’m small but I’m stubborn. I will make it to the finish line. It’s who I am.
 
On a personal note...
Last year I was awarded the Boilermaker’s Les Diven Award for Outstanding Media Coverage. This year, I’m hoping to take that media coverage a step further and actually do Live Stories on Instagram during the race!
 
I have a 1-year-old at home and she’s my running buddy. We get out the jogging stroller and I hope to instill this passion in her as well. My 10-year-old step-daughter is also starting to get into running. We have a small chicken farm and she practices “Rocky style” by chasing the chickens. We also do a lot of stuff on the water. We have a boat in Alexandria Bay and spend most weekends up there snorkeling, scuba-diving, swimming, and fishing.

Maile Casey
ICAN Youth Care Coordinator

Donate Here!

Running history: 
I ran track in middle school and from there I tried lacrosse which required a lot of running. Now I run to relieve stress and meditate.

What is your favorite part of the Boilermaker?
I ran the Boilermaker for the first time last year. The music on the sidelines and the crowd cheering the runners on was definitely my favorite part. 
 
What is your training mantra to get you to the finish line?
My mantra was to just keep my feet moving, I will follow that this year too, whatever pace I run, I will finish!

On a personal note...
I have a pit-bull named Oreo who always helps me to get outside for a run!
 

Katie Keating
Supervised Visitation Monitor at ICAN. Also works at Oneida County, Village of Whitesboro Court and Packy's Pub

Donate here!

Running history:
I ran for New Hartford's Track & Field team growing up. I ran the 15K Boilermaker in 2006 and 2007, without training, then took a break from running for a few years. This will be my third consecutive year running the 5K with a Charity Bib; I try to help a different agency each year, and was thrilled to see KO on the ballot. I am hoping to finally run the 15K again next year!
 
What is your favorite part of the Boilermaker?
I have always loved how so many people come together and cheer each other on. It's always been a very fun day for my family. Now, my favorite part is having past memories mixed in with new ones, all while raising money for the best of causes. It's just a feel-good experience! I'd give a nod to the free "bonuses" at the finish line, but we'll keep it professional ;-)
 
What is your training mantra to get you to the finish line?
Finish strong!
 
On a personal note...
I love making people laugh more than anything...well, almost anything - my fur-children are my world! I currently have four dogs, two cats, and a rabbit, and most of them are rescues; you could say I have a bit of a rescuing problem, but I'm okay with that!