The 2009 Boilermaker Road Race logo doesn’t include the name of the city that has hosted the race for more than 30 years.

The word “Utica” also seems to be lacking on the race’s Web site as organizers push for a broader regional identity.

“We draw from Utica. We draw from Rome. We draw from the entire community,” Boilermaker Executive Director Tim Reed said Monday, one day after the annual 15K road race. “I want it to be an event that is open to everybody.”

The race traditionally has been called the Utica Boilermaker Road Race. Race materials, including the 2008 entry form, list the mailing address as Utica Boilermaker Road Race.

And hundreds of Observer-Dispatch stories dating back more than a decade refer to the race by that name.

But Reed said that the legal name of the race that begins and ends in the city is the Boilermaker Road Race.

Former Utica Mayor Tim Julian said it would be a “true shame” if the city’s name was removed from the promoting of the race.

“The Boilermaker is a great marketing tool for our area,” he said. “People have to know where our area is.”

Reed said race officials have been talking about creating an image that would “brand” the event. The logos would still change every year, but the stylized runner with the swooping arms would become a permanent feature.

And the city’s place?

“We haven’t made any definite decisions,” he said.

Utica Mayor David Roefaro said he’s fine with whatever race officials decide.

“I’m just glad we have the Boilermaker,” Mayoral Assistant Angelo Roefaro quoted the mayor as saying. “I don’t worry about labels.”

ONCE AGAIN, SIGN THIS PETITION TO KEEP UTICA IN THE UTICA BOILERMAKER.  THIS INCLUDES ADVERTISING, MARKETING, LOGO, WEBSITE, NEWS, ETC.  PLEASE PASS ON AND FORWARD TO MORE PEOPLE WHO KNOW HOW MUCH THIS WOULD HURT THE CITY IF WE DON'T FIX IT NOW.