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For more than ten years, the Sitrin Health Care Center’s Annual Stars & Stripes Run & Walk for our Nation’s Heroes has served as the primary fundraiser for Sitrin’s Military Program. This unique program provides comprehensive, complimentary care to post-9/11 veterans and service members affected by post-traumatic stress, suicidal ideations, traumatic brain injuries, depression, and other combat-related conditions.
In addition to innovative treatment, Sitrin offers the Military Civilian Coalition, designed to promote camaraderie, advocacy, educational opportunities, and transitional support to civilian life. The group meets at various locations in the community and enables veterans and civilians to interact through social and athletic endeavors. Activities include the annual Warrior Retreat at Camp Sitrin, TRX Suspension Training, golf, fly fishing, gardening, yoga, biking, therapeutic hand drumming, and more.
With a continued focus on supporting veterans and service members, Sitrin is excited to continue this event every year to support local veteran care!
The 3rd Annual Riggie Run, Walk & Riggiefest will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the SUNY Polytechnic Institute campus, and will feature a 5K Run, 5K Riggie Challenge, 5K Wheelchair Race, 5K Wheelchair Riggie Challenge, 2-Mile Walk, and a 1-Mile Kids Run.
5K Run and Wheelchair participants will have the opportunity to register for the Riggie Challenge in which they will be required to consume one bowl of chicken riggies at the halfway point of the race. For those who wish not to engage in the Challenge, a traditional 5K division will be offered. Prizes will be awarded in both divisions. Additionally, at the conclusion of the Run & Walk, a Riggiefest will be featured in the Wildcat Field House in which local restaurants will showcase their version of this famous Utica dish. All paid participants will be invited to taste the various entries, at no additional cost, and cast a vote to determine the area’s best riggies. Community members are also invited to attend ($10 entry fee).
Registration will take place at 8:30 a.m., with the kids 1-mile run at 9:30 a.m., 5K wheelchair race at 10:05 a.m., the 5K run at 10:10, and the walk at 10:15. The Riggiefest will commence at the conclusion of the Run & Walk from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Everyone who preregisters by September 12th will receive a free commemorative t-shirt! (Only applies to paid registrants).
In addition, both the 5K Run and Wheelchair Race will be chip timed, providing runners with accurate times and instantaneous race results!
Schedule of events
8:30AM - Registration/Continental Breakfast
9:30AM – Kids 1-Mile Run
10:00AM - National Anthem at Race Start
10:05AM - 5K Wheelchair Race and Wheelchair Riggie Challenge
10:10AM - 5K Run and Riggie Challenge
10:15AM - 2-Mile Walk
11:00AM - Riggiefest Starts
11:15AM - Winners Announced/Race Results
11:30AM - Riggie Eating Contest
12:30PM - Riggiefest Ends
2024 Riggie Run & Walk Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
2024 Riggiefest Participants
