52nd ANNUAL FALLING LEAVES ROAD RACE Presented by Utica First Insurance

About the Event

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!

Races Offered

Kid's Kilometer Fun Run

Sep 27, 2026

straighten

Distance — 1K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:15

sell

$0.00

14K

Sep 27, 2026

straighten

Distance — 14K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:00

sell

$30.00

5K

Sep 27, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:00

sell

$30.00

Weather History

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for September in Utica.

thermostat Temperature

11.6° / 22.5°

wb_sunny Feels like

10.7° / 21.9°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

9h 46m

water_drop Avg rainfall

2.2 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

air Avg wind speed

7.4 km/h (Light breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

Moderate

terrain Course conditions

Firm and slightly soft

sunny Max UV Index

Moderate (5.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

78.6%

wb_twilight Sunrise

06:41

nightlight Sunset

19:09

About Utica

Learn more about the host city, Utica.

Utica is the heart of the Mohawk Valley and the seat of Oneida County in Central New York State. Utica offers the charm of small-city living balanced with the cultural and ethnic diversity of an international urban center. At the foot of the Adirondack Mountains, Utica is a truly scenic city that offers the pleasures of both a rural and urban setting.