For those who like to plan ahead – and we mean way ahead – here’s a race date that’s right up your alley.
The 27th annual Kiwanis-Herald Sesame Place Classic will be held on Sunday, May 16, 2027 at the popular park in Middletown Township.
For those who want to sign up early, official registration will open on Tuesday, 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 from the event 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, 2027.
Last year’s Classic drew nearly 900 runners, making it one of the highest attended road races in the Bucks County area.
“The Classic returns in 2027 after drawing its largest crowd in more than five years,” said KHSPC committee member Mary Berman. “For more than 25 years, this beloved community tradition has brought runners and families together for fun and fitness.”
Berman said the admission pass to Sesame Place is a big attraction point for runners young and old.
“It makes race day especially exciting for families,” Berman said.
The Classic is a red-letter date on many runners’ calendars and it’s never too early to start a training calendar.
“Tighten those sneakers, or treat yourself to a new pair, and start getting ready for race day in May,” Berman said. “Join the Levittown-Bristol Kiwanis Club and the Bucks County Herald in registering early, and bring your family and friends for a memorable day of running, fun, and community spirit.”
The organizing committee always has fun putting this worthwhile event together knowing it’s for a good cause.
“It’s time to sign up for this special outing where serious competitors and not so experienced runners participate in an event that brings families and friends together,” said Levittown-Bristol Kiwanis Club’s Dixie Rhodes.
“The atmosphere is filled with delight as the young and not so young hang out with the Sesame characters. Who wouldn’t want a hug from Abby or Elmo? Could a firetruck be on the scene ready to be viewed by the onlookers? These questions and more will be answered at the event.”
A free race T-shirt with a Sesame character on the front has been a popular attraction for runners since the race began in 1999.
The Classic’s attendance figures have been growing once again the past few years and are now back to pre-COVID levels.
“It took awhile to get our numbers back after COVID, but the 2027 Sesame Place Classic 5K, 1-mile and Fun Run promise to be better than ever,” said KHSPC committee member Jill Saul. “I am always so excited to begin the planning process knowing how much serious runners love our 5K.”
Other members of the planning committee include Jill Gilardi, Donna Milner, Deb Glass, Tom Delia, Mary Pearce, Ernie Nocito and Regina Young.
Saul is gratified by the number of school groups, running clubs and families who participate. A special Spirit Award is presented to the organization with the highest number of participants.
“It is always a great day,” Saul said, “and one of my favorite events of the year.”
Much of the 5K course circles around the Oxford Valley Mall. It’s flat, fast and has few turns.
All runners in the 5K, 1-mile and Kids’ Sprint receive finisher medals.
In addition to registering, individual runners can purchase up to five additional tickets to Sesame Place at a 50-percent discount rate.
The Classic is jointly organized by the Levittown-Bristol Kiwanis Club and the Buck County Herald. Continuing a tradition which began the first year of the race, several Sesame characters will be on hand the morning of the big day to help celebrate all the activities.
For more information, visit www.sesameplaceclassic.com
>Race calendar
Saturday
Lake Solebury 5K, 8:30 a.m., New Hope. Contact www.runsignup.com
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