52nd ANNUAL FALLING LEAVES ROAD RACE Presented by Utica First Insurance
- Date Sun 27th September 2026
- Time 8:15AM EDT
- Location Utica, New York
- Price Free - $33.15
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5km, 1km
Event summary
Get ready to lace up your running shoes for the 52nd Annual Falling Leaves Road Race, taking place on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in beautiful Utica, Oneida. This beloved fall classic, hosted by the Utica Roadrunners, invites participants of all ages to enjoy a day of fun and fitness, with options for a 5K run, a scenic 14K, and a special kids' run. The courses promise a mix of challenges and scenic views, making it perfect for both seasoned runners and newcomers alike.
Join us at the State Office Building in downtown Utica for an exciting race day filled with camaraderie and celebration. After crossing the finish line, be sure to attend the lively post-race party and awards ceremony at the DoubleTree by Hilton Utica, where male and female awards will be presented to overall winners and those in five-year age groups for both the 5K and 14K distances. Don't miss the chance to be part of this vibrant community event that has been going strong for over 50 years! Whether you're racing or cheering from the sidelines, the Falling Leaves Road Race promises a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Join us at the State Office Building in downtown Utica for an exciting race day filled with camaraderie and celebration. After crossing the finish line, be sure to attend the lively post-race party and awards ceremony at the DoubleTree by Hilton Utica, where male and female awards will be presented to overall winners and those in five-year age groups for both the 5K and 14K distances. Don't miss the chance to be part of this vibrant community event that has been going strong for over 50 years! Whether you're racing or cheering from the sidelines, the Falling Leaves Road Race promises a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Organiser's Description
The fall classic is back once again this SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH 2026! This year we are running over 50 YEARS STRONG. Join the UTICA ROADRUNNERS in downtown Utica at the State Office Building for the 5k or the scenic switchbacks 14k. We have a kid's run too! Please join us for the post-race party and awards ceremony at DOUBLETREE BY HILTON UTICA. There will be male and female AWARDS for overall winners and five year age group winners for the 5k and 14k. If you are interested in being a VOLUNTEER or a SPONSOR, please send us a message or Click Here to Volunteer [https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/NY/Utica/FALLINGLEAVESROADRACE].
PACKET PICK UP AND REGISTRATION:
* Registration fees will INCREASE to $60 on race weekend. Cash, check, and Venmo will be accepted.
* The first packet pick up is SATURDAY, 9/26 from 10AM-4PM at the SNEAKER STORE. Stop on by for some great deals on shoes, apparel, and other runner goodies!_ KIDS RUN PACKETS ARE ONLY PICKED UP ON RACE MORNING_.
* The second pack pick up is SUNDAY, 9/27 beginning at 7AM at DOUBLETREE BY HILTON UTICA (NOT the Delta Marriott hotel). You can also register at the DOUBLETREE the day of the race until 8:30am. KIDS RACE Runners can pick up their bib and shirt at 7 am on SUNDAY ONLY.
Course Descriptions:
* The 5K course starts on a light incline for the first half mile. TURN RIGHT at the traffic circle to continue on to the 5k. The course then flattens out for the rest of the mile (mile 1 is near the corner of Oswego St.). The start of the second mile inclines slightly and finishes flat. The remaining 1.1 mile is pretty much the first mile in reverse.
* The 14K course starts out the same as the 5k, on a light incline for the first half mile. TURN LEFT at the traffic circle to continue on the 14k. The course then flattens out for the rest of the mile. Mile two continues up a slight incline and starts up a slightly tougher incline up the Parkway. Mile three works it's way up Valley View and into the park. The next three miles are the scenic but challenging switchbacks and park roads. The next mile is mostly downhill. The rest of the race is the more casual downhill of Oneida and Genesee Streets with a fast finish.
See you at the start line!
PACKET PICK UP AND REGISTRATION:
* Registration fees will INCREASE to $60 on race weekend. Cash, check, and Venmo will be accepted.
* The first packet pick up is SATURDAY, 9/26 from 10AM-4PM at the SNEAKER STORE. Stop on by for some great deals on shoes, apparel, and other runner goodies!_ KIDS RUN PACKETS ARE ONLY PICKED UP ON RACE MORNING_.
* The second pack pick up is SUNDAY, 9/27 beginning at 7AM at DOUBLETREE BY HILTON UTICA (NOT the Delta Marriott hotel). You can also register at the DOUBLETREE the day of the race until 8:30am. KIDS RACE Runners can pick up their bib and shirt at 7 am on SUNDAY ONLY.
Course Descriptions:
* The 5K course starts on a light incline for the first half mile. TURN RIGHT at the traffic circle to continue on to the 5k. The course then flattens out for the rest of the mile (mile 1 is near the corner of Oswego St.). The start of the second mile inclines slightly and finishes flat. The remaining 1.1 mile is pretty much the first mile in reverse.
* The 14K course starts out the same as the 5k, on a light incline for the first half mile. TURN LEFT at the traffic circle to continue on the 14k. The course then flattens out for the rest of the mile. Mile two continues up a slight incline and starts up a slightly tougher incline up the Parkway. Mile three works it's way up Valley View and into the park. The next three miles are the scenic but challenging switchbacks and park roads. The next mile is mostly downhill. The rest of the race is the more casual downhill of Oneida and Genesee Streets with a fast finish.
See you at the start line!
Races
-
5k
Incl. $3.15 Fee & Long Sleeve Shirt
Sun 27th September 2026 (9:00AM EDT)
$33.15
OPENS 10 JULThe Falling Leaves is back on Genesee Street this year. The traditional 5k race starting and ending by the Utica State Office Building. Bear RIGHT at the traffic circle to continue with this course. -
14k
Incl. $3.15 Fee & Long Sleeve Shirt
Sun 27th September 2026 (9:00AM EDT)
$33.15
OPENS 10 JULThe Falling Leaves is back on Genesee Street this year. The traditional 14k race starting and ending at Utica State Office Building. Bear LEFT at the traffic circle to continue with this course. -
Kid's Kilometer Fun Run
Incl. Kids T-Shirt
Sun 27th September 2026 (8:15AM EDT)
Free
OPENS 10 JULThe annual Kids Kilometer run up and down Genesee returns for 2025. Can't wait to see the kids and families before the main event!
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207 Genesee St, Utica, NY 13501, Utica, 13502, NY, United States
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52nd ANNUAL FALLING LEAVES ROAD RACE Presented by Utica First Insurance
