Save Our Switchbacks
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Save Our Switchbacks
The Save Our Switchbacks is a 7.5 kilometer road and trail race held in Utica, New York. This event serves as the annual season opener for the Utica Roadrunners and supports the South Woods Trails Project. The course covers a distance often referred to as half of a Boilermaker.
Participants follow a route that begins on Memorial Parkway, heading east before turning onto Valley View Road. The course transitions onto trails running along Valley View and enters the golf course area. Runners then enter the South Woods Switchbacks, navigating a hilly loop through wooded pathways. After exiting the woods, the path continues through the golf course and toward the Utica Zoo.
The final segment of the race takes runners through the grounds of the Utica Zoo, passing through the zoo gates and down the main driveway. The race concludes by returning to the sidewalk on Memorial Parkway to finish at the original starting location. In addition to the main race, there is a dedicated event for children.
Distances available at this event:
- 7.5 km road and trail race
- 0.5 mile kids fun run
The kids fun run is a non-timed event that takes place on the Memorial Parkway sidewalk, traveling to the Utica Zoo entrance and back. Participants in the youth run receive a participation prize, though shirts and timing bibs are not provided for this specific distance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
