It’s coming back and better than ever.
The 26th annual Kiwanis-Herald Sesame Place Classic 5K will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at the popular park in Middletown.
For those who want to sign up early, official registration will begin on Monday, Dec. 1, 12 noon at www.sesameplaceclassic5k.com.
Since 1999, the Classic has raised more than $600,000 for the Dick Dougherty Honorarium Awards. Proceeds go to college-bound scholar-athletes from 18 area high schools.
As always, the Classic promises to be a fun time for runners from ages two to 92.
Registration will be open for the featured 5K, the one-mile fun run and the Kids’ Sprint.
Upon registering, each participant receives a one-day free admission to Sesame Place, good through the end of September, 2026.
“I am so excited as we begin preparations for our 26th annual Sesame Place Classic 5K,” said Kiwanis Club’s Jill Saul. “It is such a friendly, all-inclusive event where serious runners and families join together for a day of fun.
“I love seeing the kids interact with the Sesame characters. It’s always an uplifting morning filled with smiles and happy faces.”
The organizing committee always has fun putting this worthwhile event together knowing it’s for a good cause.
“I look forward to the Sesame Place Classic every year,” said Kiwanis Club’s Deb Glass. “What a great event for runners and spectators alike. Feeling the excitement and witnessing the enthusiasm is indecribable.
“Knowing that the race provides an opportunity for community fellowship is only surpassed by the end result of providing so many outstanding high school students with an honorarium to assist them as they continue their education is wonderful. I am proud to be part of this fantastic event.”
Runners of all ages seem to pick up on the excitement. Race participants in all three races receive a finisher’s medal.
Past Kiwanis Club president Dixie Rhodes, a mainstay on the race committee for many years, continues to enjoy the energy provided for the hundreds in attendance.
“Oscar! Abby! Elmo! Oh my! I’m not dreaming,” she said. “I’m looking forward to seeing some of my favorite characters at the Classic. It’s a secret as to who will join us in this fun-filled event but I know the mystery characters will delight the crowds.
“I just love the camaraderie that exists and the glee expressed by the participants. Grandparents, grandchildren, moms and dads join in to have some friendly competition and bragging rights.”
Much of the race course circles Oxford Valley Mall. It’s flat, fast and has few turns.
“There are serious runners with the goal to equal or beat their best times while others are just hoping to make it to the finish line,” Rhodes said. “This is an event everyone can enjoy.”
In addition to registering, individual runners can purchase up to five additional free tickets to Sesame at a 50-percent discounted rate.
The Classic is jointly organized by the Levittown-Bristol Kiwanis Club and the Bucks County Herald. Continuing a tradition which began back in 1999, several Sesame characters will be on hand the morning of the big day to help celebrate all the activities.
Included will be a visit by the Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company Truck 21. Youngsters will have a chance to sit inside the truck behind the wheel of the big rig and get a sense of just how exciting this vehicle can be.
For more information, visit www.sesameplaceclassic5k.com
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