Boilermaker Tips

Here are the TRY approved, driving and meetup directions for runners and spectators alike. Nothing has changed in the last few years, but I have spruced up the map and photos. You should be able to click on them for a slightly larger view.

Parking at the Start:
Do yourself a favor and do not follow the website directions. Go this way instead [bing map link]. Or pictured here:




(I just have it marked from the thruway exit to a parking lot in the general area where I usually end up parking.)

TRY has been using this for years and it saves a ton of stress and 20+ minutes of sitting in traffic. You are parking near the start line so it is convenient for picking up your packet that morning and returning the stuff to your car and then the post race shuttles drop you off right near by after the post race party. So, trust me, on this one -- turn RIGHT after the thruway exit and then take the Dyke (road) to the race! (Any first timers - please make sure you understand this. Ask me if you need clarification.) FYI - I aim for getting off the thruway exit at 6:35-6:40ish in the morning and that has always worked fine. Usually at the pre-race location and wondering why I am there so early by 7.

(To help me remember in future years: The carpool/caravan meets at the 481 park and ride lot at 5:45 to ensure the timing above. I confirmed the timing again for 2016 - from the 481 P and R it is 50 miles to Pitcher St and about 55 minutes - at 70 mph on the thruway.)

Pre Race Location:



After parking along Pitcher or Turner in the large lots (or roadside), we attempt to congregate on the north side of Dwyer Ave (on your right as you are walking west) near some trees next to the big factory type building. Look for a collection of Team Beef shirts and familiar faces for some pre-race chit chat and to calm any nervous runners down! (That side of the start corrals is also conveniently located on the Dyke road direction side of the starting line...so if you follow my driving directions you'll be walking right by that spot at some point.) You do not need to walk as crookedly as the line suggests! It is near bathrooms and water and is a convenient spot to hold as people do pre-race errands and it gives us a group photo op:



Post Race Gathering:



Please look for people at the official TRY meet-up spot marked by the red 'X'. We co-habitate with friends and several LM runners. It's located along the flow of traffic just after you grab your frozen pop and turn the corner, part way down the road, under the very sought after trees and shade on a sunny day. It will now be just past the Chobani "stand" and before the beer truck that is located dead center to the performance and award stage. (Labels 14 and 15 on the map.) It is a very busy spot but there ends up being enough of us that it works out and we are able to hold the spot as people come and go to grab various post-race goodies.

Tips and Tricks:
The one obvious flaw with the Boilermaker is the start. Be patient and don't waste a bunch of energy weaving through people. Do a slower first mile (or more) and then make up that time once you can choose your path.

Once the race opens up a bit, run the fricken' tangents! (My old "more meat" study on the subject, inspired by the stupidity of other BM runners.)

Ten tips for running in the heat. (An oldie.)

Some downhill running suggestions and other stuff. (Another old "more meat" write-up.)

For Team Beef runners - your pictures turn out better if you are finishing on your left through the final stretch. That is where the camera crew is set up (on the runners left) for the free and high quality finishing glamour shots. (Aaron and Kelly can ignore this as they are always "right".)

Remember to enjoy the crowd. They love supporting this race. Where something fun and let them love you. (Like for real. They will make love to you. Bring your own lube/protection to prevent resulting chafing.)