If you have done races before, you know how much less stressful it is to have your number in hand a day or two before the event.
Which is why everyone taking part in Sunday’s 26th Kiwanis-Herald Sesame Place Classic 5K is urged to pick up their race packet at Oxford Valley Mall in Langhorne either Friday (4 to 9 p.m.) or Saturday (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
There’s still time to register for the big event, which kicks off with a one-mile fun run at 7 a.m., the featured 5K at 8 a.m. and the 50-meter Sesame Sprint kids’ race at 8:45 a.m.
All races start and finish at Sesame Place, with the two longer competitions held on the roads encircling Oxford Valley Mall.
At the two registration sessions, held in the courtyard adjacent to Macy’s, participants can get their number, their T-shirt, and have any questions about the race they might have answered.
Each runner receives a free, one-day admission to Sesame Place good through Sept. 30.
For registration director Jill Gilardi of the Levittown-Bristol Kiwanis Club, it’s a labor of love. This year promises to be a busy one, with more than 800 runners stopping by to pick up their stuff.
There will be plenty of volunteers working the tables so the wait time figures to be minimal.
“It should be smooth,” Gilardi said. “We have a pretty well-oiled machine. Usually we get a big influx on Friday night. And Saturdays usually move along well.
“If you’re picking up your number for others, make sure you have your whole list of names and make sure that they are not going to change shirt sizes. You get what you get when you ordered it.”
For those traveling a sizable distance, there is the option of picking up numbers on Sunday morning before the races begin. But that can be tricky.
“It’s always easier to get their packets on Friday and Saturday,” Gilardi said. “Waiting until Sunday you’re really pushing it because if there’s a line of people still trying to grab their packets at the same time the starting gate might be open (for the one-miler) when you finally get your number.”
So getting your number early is always advised.
“We’re looking forward to seeing all the groups out there,” Gilardi said.
The group with the largest amount of runners wins the annual Sesame Spirit Trophy and a check for $100.
Teams with 20 or more registrants can earn $5 per runner.
As mentioned, more than 800 runners are expected for this year’s Classic, the highest number since pre-COVID.
“I’m ecstatic about that,” Gilardi said. “I cannot believe the amount of people who are registering for our race. It’s been so long since we’ve had a turnout like this. It’s really special and it speaks to the continuity of our race and how it’s a family event.
“People really come out for it. It’s generational now. Grandparents bringing their grandkids. It’s really special.”
This year’s special Sesame character is none other than Grover. He’s featured on the T-shirt. A number of Sesame characters also will be on hand after the race and available for photographs, high fives and hugs during the awards ceramony.
And remember the Sesame Sprint is designed for little ones who aren’t quite ready to take on the one mile just yet. All participants receive a finisher’s medal.
A DJ will be on hand to play all the popular tunes to get the runners pumped up. After the race, runners will receive a promotional code that will allow them to purchase discounted tickets through Sesame Place.
For more information about registration and the race, visit www.sesameplaceclassic5k.com
>Race calendar
Sunday
26th annual Kiwanis-Herald Sesame Place Classic 5K, 1-mile, 50-meter kids’ sprint, 7 a.m., Sesame Place, Langhorne. Contact www.sesameplaceclassic5k.com
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