Kiwanis-Sesame Place Classic set for special 20th anniversary run

21st annual Sesame Place Classic returning May, 2019

It’s back. . .and better than ever.

The Kiwanis-Sesame Place Classic is returning for its 20th year on Sunday, May 20 at the legendary park in Middletown Township.

Registration for the featured 5K, the 1-mile fun run/walk and the kids’ sprint for youngsters officially opens at 12 noon on Thursday.

To register, visit the event’s new website: www.sesameplaceclassic5k.com.

Over the years, the Classic has become one of the most popular events on the local race calendar –- a day for the entire family to enjoy a full slate of activities.

And where else can you finish a race and get a high-five and photograph taken with a favorite Sesame character?

Since 1999, tens of thousands of runners have participated in one of the three competitions to have fun and help raise money for the Dick Dougherty Scholarship Fund.

During that time, the scholarship fund has generated a total of approximately $400,000 in college financial aid for 18 Bucks County high schools, including a donation to 34 top scholar-athletes each year.

“We at Kiwanis are thrilled to announce the continuation of our Kiwanis-Sesame Place Classic 5K race,’’ said Dixie Rhodes of the Levittown Bristol Kiwanis Club. “Over the past 19 years, using the funds raised from the event, we have awarded nearly 700 scholarships to Bucks County scholar athletes.’’

There are plenty of new activities planned for this year’s commemorative event.

Look for specially designed T-shirts to mark this unique occasion.

On hand, of course, will be the Middletown Township Fire Company’s “Super Truck’’ for visits from children of all ages.

The entry fee for the 5K and 1-mile fun run is $30 ($20 for the kids’ sprint) through the end of pre-registration on May 6.

Groups of 20 runners or more are eligible to sign up as a team and are eligible for $5 per runner cash back. The race presents its annual “Spirit Trophy’’ to the school, club or organization which signs up the most runners.

Members of the Levittown Bristol Kiwanis Club have worked since the founding of the event to put on the Classic and raise money for local scholarships.

The scholarship fund is presented in memory of former Bucks County Courier Times sports editor Dick Dougherty and aims to recognize local high school athletes who strive academically and contribute to community life – a balance of ideals that Dougherty valued.

“Our 20th year is going to be the best ever,’’ Rhodes said. “The Levittown Bristol Kiwanis Club is proud to continue our endeavors to recognize the accomplishments of our area’s scholar-athletes. I know our citizens will come out in support of this worthy cause as they have done in the past.’’

At the Classic, the 1-mile fun run is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m., followed by the 5K at 8 a.m. and the kids’ sprint at approximately 8:45.

Race timing and results are handled by Lin-Mark Sports of Mantua, N.J.

The race is presented by the Levittown Bristol Kiwanis Club with help this year for the first time from BOSS Events and Always Advancing Sports, which put on several local races, including the Trenton Half-Marathon, the upcoming Shamrock Shuffle on St. Patrick’s Day in Newtown and the Run Now, Wine Later 5K in New Hope during the fall.

For more information, visit www.sesameplaceclassic5K.com.

 

Race calendar

 

Sunday, February 4, 2018

Terrible Tyler 15K, 9 a.m., Tyler State Park, Newtown. Contact www.bcrrclub.com

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About Wayne Fish 2425 Articles
Wayne Fish has been covering the Flyers since 1976, a stint which includes 18 Stanley Cup Finals, four Winter Olympics and numerous other international events.

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