More Than a Race: Excellus BCBS Team Inspires Ahead of Boilermaker 15k

Just as runners from across the world train for the 49th Boilermaker 15K Road Race, presented by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, participants from the health insurer’s five upstate New York regions are preparing for race day, both in person and virtually.

Led by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Pharmacy Operations Coordinator Chad Williams and BlueCross BlueShield Liaison and Divisional Strategist Carly McCabe, employees from across the Rochester area and beyond are getting ready. Veteran Boilermaker runners and first-timers alike have followed training plans developed by McCabe, a self-described professional amateur runner, while drawing inspiration from Williams. His personal experience of training as an athlete with cerebral palsy was featured in the lead-up to the 2025 race.

From group runs to a virtual running club within the organization, McCabe and Williams have helped build a culture that extends beyond race day.

“I am so excited to be a part of the Boilermaker training team because, as a runner, someone has always been there to encourage me every step of the way,” said McCabe, who participates in more than 25 races a year throughout the country “This is a great way for me to encourage others to be healthy through the sport that I love.”

Carly intentionally seeks out at least one new city each year for a race, combining her passion for running with a love of exploring new cultures and landscapes.

“There's so much excitement and not just the run, but everything that's involved in racing, the fun swag, the food, the celebrations, the friendships that you make along the way,” she explains. “I love exploring new areas, even in your own city, as well as being able to travel all around to try a new race.”

For Williams, helping others overcome their fears of the hilly course and summer heat represents a new chapter in his journey.

“This is another one of the amazing opportunities that have come from sharing my story so openly,” he said. “I have connected with people both inside and outside the cerebral palsy community who say my story inspired them to pursue goals they once thought were out of reach.”

Inspiration spreads worldwide

When Williams crossed the finish line at last year’s Boilermaker, it marked a milestone in his lifelong experience with cerebral palsy, a group of conditions that affect movement and coordination.

Diagnosed at age 2, Williams had long kept his condition private. As he prepared for the 2025 race, he chose to share his story. That decision has had a significant impact locally and around the world.

Training while managing the effects of cerebral palsy, including spasticity, muscle weakness, and gait, balance and coordination issues present daily challenges. Williams relies on adaptive gear, physical therapy and flexibility in his training plan. He shares those lessons with fellow runners, including members of the cerebral palsy community and those in the company’s training team.

“The best advice I can give any runner is to listen to your body,” he said. “As someone living with cerebral palsy, there are good days and difficult days. The best gift I can give myself is permission to adjust my training or skip a run if it helps prevent injury.”

Since last July, Williams’ story has reached audiences far beyond Central New York. He has spoken at conferences, including events as far away as Nigeria, organized a virtual 5K to support people with cerebral palsy, and launched an adaptive athlete scholarship that will soon name its first recipient. He also started a podcast to provide a platform for others to share their experiences.

“I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way over the past year,” he said. “What began as one race to prove something to myself has grown into a chance to connect with a larger audience in a meaningful way.”

Williams said the personal connections he has made are especially meaningful. He often hears from individuals and families who say his journey has inspired them.

“I am amazed by how many people have reached out,” he said. “From people in Rochester asking to meet to parents of children with cerebral palsy sharing how much it means to see what is possible, there is rarely a week that goes by without hearing from someone. It has even led me to travel to races in New Jersey to compete and support others, including watching young runners complete their first mile.”

Despite his busy schedule of training, competing and outreach, Williams said helping co-workers prepare for the Boilermaker felt like a natural step.

“It feels like a full-circle moment,” he said. “I am still a relatively new runner, so I was hesitant at first. But I realized how much encouragement has meant to me, and I want to pay that forward.”

Healthier tomorrows start today

Excellus BCBS has long served as the presenting sponsor of the Boilermaker 15K and the Corporate Cup competition, which allows organizations to compete based on the finishing times of their fastest runners. The partnership reflects the company’s commitment to building healthier communities.

“The Boilermaker is a special race for the Mohawk Valley,” said Tony Vitagliano, senior vice president of provider network engagement and regional president for Utica. “Beyond race day, the physical, social and emotional benefits of training represent a lasting victory for personal health.”

With more than 40 employees participating in the 15K and 5K races, creating a training team brought runners together across regions, McCabe said.

Her love of running is fueled in part by the special atmosphere that exists inside the running community, which welcomed her in when she first began hitting the roads and trails.

She shared plans with the group for every level of runner, from beginner to expert, allowing each runner the opportunity to train at the appropriate mileage as they get ready for the race.

“Every runner has their own reason for being on the course, whether it is fitness, health or social connection,” she said. “What they share is a common goal, and every step they take helps them on race day and in their overall wellbeing.”

As race day approaches, McCabe said she is proud to support fellow runners while pursuing her own goals.

“As a runner, I know how challenging the Boilermaker can be, even after months of training,” she said. “It is a privilege to help others reach the finish line with the same encouragement and support that has helped me.”

As she gets ready to compete in the race for the sixth time, McCabe encourages everyone to enjoy both the race and the crowd.