While the temperatures outside soon will be getting frightful, we’re already thinking ahead to next spring when the outdoor weather will be downright delightful.
To be specific, Sunday, May 19, the date of the 2024 Kiwanis-Herald Sesame Place Classic 5K race at the theme park in Langhorne.
This popular event has been around since 1999 and continues to draw upwards of a thousand runners each year. Although the pandemic shut things down for a couple years, the race – which includes a 1-mile run/walk and a Kids’ Sprint for youngsters – has bounced back to be as popular as ever.
Funds raised from the event go to the Dick Dougherty Scholarship Fund. Named for the late sports editor of the Bucks County Courier Times, the Dougherty Scholarship Fund has, over the years, provided close to $500,000 in financial assistance to college-bound scholar-athletes from 18 Bucks County high schools.
The race is held on the roads surrounding the Oxford Valley Mall.
Registration will be opening in the second half of November at a date yet to be determined. When a date is decided upon, it will be posted on the race website: www.sesameplaceclassic5k.com and other media outlets.
“It is thrilling to once again kick off our upcoming Kiwanis-Herald Sesame Classic,” said veteran race committee member Dixie Rhodes of the Levittown-Bristol Kiwanis Club. “It is such a family-oriented event. It’s enjoyed by youngsters as well as adults of all ages.
“The best part is the proceeds from the race go toward honorariums to 34 scholar-athletes from Bucks County high schools. These are some of the best and the brightest from this area who excel not only in the classroom but in athletics and community service.”
The Bucks County Herald is proud to co-sponsor the event.
Longtime race organizer Ernie Nocito of the Herald said the newspaper puts a lot of effort into race planning but all the preparation is worth the hours spent.
“It takes a tremendous amount of planning along with several challenges in putting on the Sesame Place Classic,” he said. “This effort ultimately results in a fantastic event that is supported and enjoyed by participants at all levels.
“The spirit of everyone on race day along with Sesame Place being the perfect backdrop provides a fun and memorable event.”
Several days after the race, the scholar-athletes attend a Kiwanis Club banquet at the Spring Mill Manor in Ivyland where they are honored for their excellence.
“As for the banquet, we are all very proud of each and every student recognized in receiving this prestigious (Dick Dougherty) award,” Nocito said. “Their achievements and growth at this early stage is reassuring that they will emerge as leaders of tomorrow.”
Jill Saul, a past president of Levittown-Bristol Kiwanis Club, says each race makes its own special memories.
“We’re so excited to sponsor the race for another year,” she said. “The family-friendly activity warms our hearts each year as we watch parents high-fiving their children who have just completed the race. The smiles are priceless. And the fact that this great community event also supports scholar-athletes who have demonstrated excellence in their high school endeavors just adds to the satisfaction of the event.”
Race calendar
Saturday
– Bucks County Marathon and Delaware Canal Half-Marathon, 8:45 a.m., Washington Crossing. Contact www.runsignup.com
– Bucks County SPCA Black Cat 5K, 9:30 a.m., Chalfont. Contact www.runsignup.com
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