Participants in the Oneida Indian Nation Recreation Department’s Running Club competed in the popular Boilermaker in Utica July 9. The Nation sponsored all nine club runners of the 15K road race. A beautiful, warm and slightly breezy morning made for excellent running conditions, and many of the first-timers were excited to get started. The race kicked off at 8 a.m. at ECR International on Dwyer Avenue and finished 9.3 miles away in front of the Saranac Brewery on Court Street.

This was Barb George-Winton’s (Wolf Clan) first time competing in the Boilermaker. She looked forward to this race ever since completing the Turning Stone 10K last year.

“It’d been in the back of my mind for a whole year,” she said recalling the anticipation for this year’s race. “I knew I could finish it. We trained almost every other day so I could gain more strength and endurance.”

It was a family affair for Barb as her husband, Bruce, and daughters, Chelsea and Lisa (both Wolf Clan), also competed. “To be a part of something so big and be there with my children was really special,” Barb said highlighting the experience.

Tammy Tarbell (Turtle Clan) was also competing for the first time. She credits finishing the race to all of her practice with the running club.

“I probably never would have tried something like this without it,” she said. “It’s a really great group of people and I hope the club continues in the future.”

The experience was incredibly rewarding for Tammy, who was astonished by all of the support the community provides. “From the spectators, volunteers and other runners,” she said recognizing everybody involved in the race. “It made for such a great experience and I look forward to running again next year.”

The other runners from the Nation group were Amanda Blau, Cole Perkins, Hannah Barley and Tracy Parmeter.

Pictured above, left to right: Chelsea Jocko (Wolf Clan), Bruce Winton, Lisa Powless (Wolf Clan), Barbara George-Winton (Wolf Clan), Tracy Parmeter, Cole Perkins and Tammy Tarbell (Turtle Clan). Not pictured: Amanda Blau and Hannah Barley.