Spring might be quite away off but when it does return, so will the 22nd annual Kiwanis-Herald Sesame Place Classic.
It’s one of the most popular races in Bucks County, mainly because it brings together kids of all ages with their favorite Sesame characters plus a fun day of competitive running.
The big event is set for Sunday, May 17, 2020.
If you consider yourself an early bird, registration for the 5K, one-mile and kids’ sprints will be open Monday, Dec. 9 at 12 noon, at sesameplaceclassic5k.org and www.linmarksports@linmarksports.com.
Proceeds from the race go to the Dick Dougherty Scholarship Fund, named for the late sports editor of the Bucks County Courier Times. Since the race’s inception in 1999, close to $500,000 has been raised to assist college-bound scholar-athletes from 18 Bucks County high schools.
Of course, the big attraction for the Classic is a free, one-day admission ticket to Sesame Place for all who register.
Also returning are last year’s “finisher’s medals,’’ which proved to be quite popular for the 21st anniversary Classic.
“For me the best part of the race is seeing the joy of a young runner interacting with his/her favorite Sesame character,’’ said Kiwanis Club’s Dixie Rhodes, a veteran member of the race committee, “or seeing grandma and grandpa ‘racing’ with his/her grandchildren. For some, the competition is real, but for others it’s a wonderful family outing.’’
The prime objective is to raise money for the Dougherty Scholarship Fund. The scholar-athletes are honored shortly after the Classic at an awards banquet.
“It gives me great pleasure to honor these worthy young adults,’’ Rhodes said. “Not only are they good athletes, they are outstanding students.
“Good kids need to get attention in the press. More emphasis should be given to positive accomplishments of young people. The awards banquet is a great way to positively highlight the accomplishments of our youths. These are the leaders in their school and their community. Our future will be safe in their hands. The scholar-athletes deserve to be recognized for their accomplishments and hard work.’’
The Classic-Sesame Place partnership is built on a commitment to the Bucks County community.
“Having Sesame Place host the 22nd annual Kiwanis-Herald Sesame Place Classic once again shows their dedication to our home town of Bucks County where the park resides,’’ said Ernie Nocito, a race committee member. “The Classic is a legitimate race for serious runners, but attracts casual participants and children as well.
“The Sesame Place partnership ensures that this race will be a day of great runners, families and fun for all, as it has been in previous years. Since this is also the 40th anniversary of Sesame Place’s opening, we expect that this will be the best year ever.”
One male and one female scholar-athlete from each high school is honored at the Kiwanis banquet (which will be held this year at Spring Mill Manor in Ivyland on May 20) and receives a check from the Dougherty Scholarship Fund.
Look for news about the Classic in the Herald throughout the upcoming months.
“The Bucks County Herald has shown their commitment to highlighting the positive events in our communities,’’ Rhodes said. “Good things are happening in the neighborhoods.’’
For more information about the Classic, visit www.sesameplaceclassic5k.com.
Race calendar
Saturday
12 Days O Christmas 12K, 10 a.m., Richboro. Contact www.runsignup.com
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