The last Classic we sponsored we made a few more changes based on a survey completed by runners in 2020. We had good returns on the survey and made the recommended changes and we had good responses back from those changes.

We eliminated the 2.1 mile and added a 5K distance for runners who did not wish to do the 10K but felt the 2.1 mile was too short. As we continued to want to encourage families and small children, we added the 1.5 Mile Walk/Run designed for them. The goal was to have an event that can include our entire community and with these changes we felt we made that happen. Based on feedback we had the 1.5 mile as a fun run/ walk. This year (2023) we will be timing the 1.5 mile run and giving awards to finishers and list their names just like the other races.

For 2023 we are not changing the 10K and 5K races start 10:00 am and the 1.5 fun run & walk starts 10:15am. These start times were a good recommendation and were a much better idea for all involved. We beat the heat of the day, got people in and out earlier, made traffic control and parking much easier and made the race better for the downtown businesses. Also, using these times made the Classic more friendly to our downtown businesses.

The changes we made in 2022 were with the t-shirts, runners gift and Registration / Packet Pick up. Many runners (especially women) requested we stop using unisex shirts and use both women and men’s sizes. We instituted this change, and it was very successful with few complaints. The second change was Registration and Packet Pickup which was held at Hudson River Maritime Museum Boat school house. Many runners did not like the set up because it was hard to find the Packet Pickup on the side of the building. We agree and will be moving Packet pickup to the front of the building.

Also, Kiwanis made the decision to change the gift we gave to runners.  Instead of giving an item to each runner we wiould give a book to a kid in the name of the finishing runner. This proved successful to the point we could give two books to each kid in the George Washington School with the help of the teachers. This proved to be a positive move letting the runners help a kid and Kiwanis providing the funding and volunteerism to get them to kids.

We listened and made these changes. Be reminded that you must have the correct size marked on the paper and online applications with a choice of men’s or women’s Shirt. Keep in mind previous years they ran small. Also, please remember the cutoff dates to be guaranteed a t-shirt.

Any questions or concerns contact us at [email protected] and we hope you have a wonderful Kiwanis Kingston Classic experience!