NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. (June 22, 2026) – The Sitrin Foundation is excited to announce the 4^th Annual Riggie Run, Walk and Riggiefest to support Sitrin’s Military Program. This event will take place on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the SUNY Polytechnic Institute campus.

People of all ages and abilities are invited to participate, as the Riggie Run & Walk will feature a 5K run, 5K wheelchair race, 2-mile walk and free 1-mile Kids run. Registrants of the 5K race will have the opportunity to partake in a Riggie Challenge in which they will be required to consume one bowl of riggies at the halfway point of the 5K before continuing the race.

Additionally, a Riggiefest will commence at the conclusion of the Run & Walk in the Field House where more than a dozen local restaurants will showcase their version of this famous Utica dish. All run/walk registrants are invited to Riggiefest at no additional cost and can cast a vote to determine the area’s best chicken riggies. Community members are also invited to attend for a $10 entry fee.

Once again, the Riggie Run is teaming up with the Utica Roadrunners Skeleton Run (10/18/26) for a two-run series that will offer incentives for participants who register for both events. These include a $5 discount on both race registrations and additional swag.

Last year, more than 550 people registered for the Riggie run, walk, and wheelchair race, and over 1,000 attended the Riggiefest. There were riggies from 15 local restaurants with Tony's Pizzeria and Sports Bar of Washington Mills voted most unique riggies and Maggiolino’s Italian Restaurant voted best overall riggies.

The day’s events raised more than $45,000 for Sitrin’s Military Program, which provides free, comprehensive care to local post-9/11 veterans and service members who experience post-traumatic stress, suicidal ideations, depression, amputations, spinal cord injuries and other combat-related conditions.

This year's presenting sponsor, Arrow Bank, proudly continues the longstanding presenting sponsorship established by Adirondack Bank. 

“We are deeply grateful to Arrow Bank for continuing as presenting sponsor and their support of local veteran care," said Marc DePerno, vice president of the Foundation and Communications.

For more information or to register, click here.