If you thought Sesame Place Classic registered runners getting a free, one-day admission ticket to Sesame Place that was good for about a month was once a pretty good deal, you haven’t seen anything yet.
Those taking part in the 2024 Kiwanis-Herald Sesame Place Classic on Sunday, May 19 will now get a ticket that’s good for the entire summer.
That’s right. Participants in the featured 5K, 1-mile fun run or kids’ sprint will receive a no-cost pass that’s valid all the way through Sept. 30.
Proceeds from the race go to the Dick Dougherty Honorarium Awards program to assist Bucks County college-bound high school seniors.
Over the 25-year history of the event, an estimated $500,000 has been raised for this worthy cause.
Sesame Place officials are pleased to have this ticket offer extended throughout the summer.
“Sesame Place looks forward to hosting the Sesame Place Classic 5K every year,” said Meagan Passero, Sesame Place communications manager. “We love seeing the community come together for a great cause. This year, we’re excited to extend the offer of a free, one-day admission ticket to Sesame Place through Sept. 30.
“Runners will have the entirety of the summer to plan their visits, enjoy the amazing weather and experience new events at the park.”
The Levittown-Bristol Kiwanis Club enjoys all aspects of the Sesame Place Classic and seeing so many runners take advantage of this unique offer sits right at the top of the list.
Jill Gilardi, Sesame Place Classic registration director, believes this extension will be well-received.
“One thing that draws our runner and nonrunner registrants is the Sesame Place pass,” Gilardi said. “In the past, people have asked for the passes to be extended. The ability to use the passes throughout summer makes registering ideal for families.”
Longtime Kiwanis Club member Dixie Rhodes agrees having an additional three-plus months will make the pass even more attractive.
“I’m so happy we can now use the passes later on when it’s warm,” she said. “The young ones will enjoy the water features much more when they can use them to cool off.”
Past Kiwanis Club President Jill Saul also wants to express her gratitude to officials at the Langhorne park for their generosity.
“The Kiwanis Club of Levittown-Bristol members are so excited that the Sesame Place admission tickets included in the race packet will have a much longer usage life this year,” Saul said. “Sesame Place has been generous in allowing the one-day tickets to be used on any single date during the summer.”
The Classic is now in its third running after the conclusion of the pandemic and it seems just as popular as ever. The two previous races have drawn a total of close to 2,000 runners.
“One of the best parts of the Classic, compared to other races, is that it is truly the most family-friendly event in which most runners have participated,” Gilardi said. “We see families year after year – their children grow a bit, maybe their favorite Sesame character changes, but the race is the same. Their memories of doing the race with their family or their school group last forever.”
Race co-director Ernie Nocito has seen the race and the day at Sesame become an event that attracts people of all ages from far and wide.
“The Classic continues to grow, drawing seasoned veteran, beginner and new runners each year,” he said. “It is a great event bringing so many from the community and, even further away, together for such a positive fun day. One of the bonus highlights for everybody, young and old, is when the Sesame characters visit and mingle with the crowd. I must say this even brings out the kid in me.”
In addition to the free, one-day admission, there are plenty of other race day activities, including visits inside the Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company truck.
Registered runners can purchase up to five tickets at 50% off the normal price through the Sesame Place website. Those tickets must be purchased by June 1.
Registration for the race is open now at www.sesameplaceclassic5k.com.
Saturday
– Second annual Angel Dash for DIPG 5K, 9:30 a.m., Core Creek Park, Langhorne. Contact www.runsignup.com.
Sunday
– Run for Woods 5K, 9 a.m., Langhorne. Contact www.onecause.com.
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