Robert Bluey

When it comes to the Boilermaker Road Race, my Dad is an inspiration. I witnessed this firsthand today when we ran through the streets of Utica, N.Y., and crossed the finish line together. It was a remarkable experience and left me wondering why I had waited so long to do it.

The Boilermaker is America’s greatest 15K. The community’s embrace of the annual event makes it truly amazing. Watching the crowds and listening to bands made running so enjoyable that I can honestly say I had fun for all 9.3 miles. I now understand why my Dad has run all 33, starting in 1978, the year before I was born. His dedication inspired me to run with him for the first time this year.

It was last year on my 30th birthday, with my family and best friend Dom gathered at my house to celebrate, that I made the decision to run the Boilermaker. Dom and I were going to do the 5K together, but as I started my training in April the 15K became my focus.

It wasn’t the first time running the race had crossed my mind, but I never had made the serious commitment to train. So this year I started when WKTV launched its Go The Distance program (my Dad’s longtime running partner Joe Wilczynski, another Boilermaker perennial, advises the new runners). I followed the training schedule and competed in four D.C.-area road races.

This morning as we waited for the race to start, WUTR’s Joe Kelly interviewed my Dad and me about running our first Boilermaker together. It was an honor to stand next to a man who has inspired so many others to take up running. I’m delighted to finally follow in his footsteps.

Today is one of those days I’ll never forget. Not only did I accomplish something incredibly special with my father, but my best friend Dom also completed the 5K — a wonderful accomplishment in its own right.