​It’s 9.3 miles to the finish, and they’re dressed for the moment: suits pressed, a shared love for the race visible in their eyes, daybreak casting a soft glow, and sunglasses shielding their focus. Hit it. The Boilermaker Road Race draws a global mix of participants, but among the racers there’s a long-standing tradition that shifts emphasis away from clocking the fastest time and toward savoring the experience, especially when it’s splashed with costume and celebration. John Healt, from West Leyden, and his nephew Matthew Healt, of Boonville, have donned countless outfits for the Boilermaker. Their tradition began when Matthew wore a clown wig paired with a tuxedo-style T-shirt, an early spark that would ignite many outfits in the years to come.
From a bride and groom to a bag of Utica Coffee and a can of Utica Club, and even several dressed as Forrest Gump, it’s common to see runners in costumes, infusing the race with energy that’s hard to find anywhere else. Among the July 12 participants were John and Matthew Healt, an uncle-nephew duo who have run numerous Boilermaker races. John’s first Boilermaker was in 1993, and he has run 26 consecutive editions since, pausing only for the COVID-19 interruption. With sunglasses perched on his brow, John and Matthew stood out in black suits and ties, elevating their Blues Brothers homage to the 15K course.
Runners come to the Boilermaker Road Race not just to finish, but to revel in the moment, and to spread a lighthearted, positive energy that radiates through the crowd. John recalls running alongside Matthew’s father in earlier years, and then, as Matthew joined the team, the costumes began to evolve. One year Matthew suggested a tuxedo T-shirt and clown wig; the next, they went with togas. Then, years later, the bold idea to transform into the Blues Brothers took center stage. That first Blues Brothers appearance came about two decades ago, and for many years since, the duo has continued to participate in the Boilermaker in costume, adding a layer of spectacle that fans anticipate.
So what keeps them coming back, year after year? For John, it’s the sheer fun of dressing up again and again, a practice that has become a local staple. In Utica, almost everyone recognizes the figure dressed as Utica Club beer, a familiar sight that adds to the race’s distinctive flavor. The act of dressing up always brings smiles and energy, especially as the finish line approaches. “I don’t know how many people come up to us as we cross the finish line,” John says, “and we’ve had runners come up and ask for photos.” The sight of the costumes tends to heighten the crowd’s enthusiasm, and the runners themselves feed off that positive energy as they approach the end.
Crossing the finish with companions, the Healts find that their outfits draw attention and create connections—moments of shared joy as spectators cheer a little louder and participants smile a little wider. “Just being in the pack with the runners, when they see us in costume, the crowds cheer a little bit more,” Matthew notes, and that extra spark seems to ripple through the field. The Boilermaker’s tradition of colorful costume wear isn’t just about looking the part; it’s about shaping an atmosphere where fun, camaraderie, and community energy elevate the entire race experience.
As the Boilermaker continues to grow in popularity, these costumes have become a symbol of the race’s spirit—a reminder that for many participants, the journey matters as much as the finish, and the memory of running with friends and familiar faces in playful attire will outlast any personal best. The Healts’ Blues Brothers act remains a cherished fixture in the parade of costumes that define the Boilermaker, a testament to how a simple idea can become a beloved local tradition, celebrated by Utica natives and visitors from around the world alike.