The 52nd Annual Falling Leaves Road Race in Utica, New York offers running events at 14K, 5K, and 1K distances, with races starting at 8:15 AM on September 27, 2026. The event is presented by Utica First Insurance and based at 207 Genesee Street in downtown Utica. Entry fees range from free to $60 depending on the distance selected. This established September race draws runners looking for early fall racing. Whether you're targeting the longer 14K effort, testing fitness with a 5K, or bringing younger family members for the 1K option, the Falling Leaves Road Race provides multiple entry points for endurance athletes visiting the Utica area.
From the Race Organizer
The fall classic is back once again this Sunday, September 27th 2026 ! This year we are running over 50 years strong . Join the Utica Roadrunners in downtown Utica at the State Office Building for the 5k or the scenic switchbacks 14k. We have a kid's run too! Please join us for the post-race party and awards ceremony at DoubleTree by Hilton Utica . There will be male and female awards for overall winners and five year age group winners for the 5k and 14k. If you are interested in being a volunteer or a sponsor , please send us a message or Click Here to Volunteer . Packet Pick up and Registration: Registration fees will increase to $60 on race weekend. Cash, check, and Venmo will be accepted. The first packet pick up is Saturday, 9/26 from 10am-4pm at the Sneaker Store. Stop on by for some great deals on shoes, apparel, and other runner goodies! KIDS RUN PACKETS ARE ONLY PICKED UP ON RACE MORNING . The second pack pick up is Sunday, 9/27 beginning at 7am at DoubleTree by Hilton Utica (NOT the Delta Marriott hotel). You can also register at the DoubleTree the day of the race until 8:30am. Kids Race Runners can pick up their bib and shirt at 7 am on SUNDAY ONLY. Course Descriptions: The 5k course starts on a light incline for the first half mile. TURN RIGHT at the traffic circle to continue on to the 5k. The course then flattens out for the rest of the mile (mile 1 is near the corner of Oswego St.). The start of the second mile inclines slightly and finishes flat. The remaining 1.1 mile is pretty much the first mile in reverse. The 14k course starts out the same as the 5k, on a light incline for the first half mile. TURN LEFT at the traffic circle to continue on the 14k. The course then flattens out for the rest of the mile. Mile two continues up a slight incline and starts up a slightly tougher incline up the Parkway. Mile three works it's way up Valley View and into the park. The next three miles are the scenic but challenging switchbacks and park roads. The next mile is mostly downhill. The rest of the race is the more casual downhill of Oneida and Genesee Streets with a fast finish. See you at the start line!
Hotels Near This Race
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52nd ANNUAL FALLING LEAVES ROAD RACE Presented by Utica First Insurance 2026 — Utica, NY
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for September 27.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Utica, NY.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is 52nd ANNUAL FALLING LEAVES ROAD RACE Presented by Utica First Insurance 2026 — Utica, NY?
52nd ANNUAL FALLING LEAVES ROAD RACE Presented by Utica First Insurance 2026 — Utica, NY takes place on September 27, 2026. The race is held in Utica, New York.
Where is 52nd ANNUAL FALLING LEAVES ROAD RACE Presented by Utica First Insurance 2026 — Utica, NY held?
52nd ANNUAL FALLING LEAVES ROAD RACE Presented by Utica First Insurance 2026 — Utica, NY is held at 207 Genesee St, Utica, NY 13501 in Utica, New York.
Where can I find hotels near 52nd ANNUAL FALLING LEAVES ROAD RACE Presented by Utica First Insurance 2026 — Utica, NY?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Utica. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
