The Boston Marathon Qualifier Includes Five Distance Events, Reduced Entrance Fees And More Family-Friendly Starting Times

KINGSTON, N.Y.  —Ulster County Executive Mike Hein was joined by City of Kingston Mayor Steve Noble, HITS Endurance CEO Tom Struzzieri and Steve Klein President of the Kiwanis to detail race specifics of the popular Kiwanis Kingston Classic presented by HITS Endurance and to encourage local athletes to start preparing for the April 24^th race. 

“With the continued support of the Kiwanis and under the guidance from HITS Endurance, the Kingston Classic has become a world-class event,” said Ulster County Executive Mike Hein.  “The varying distances make this race appealing to elite athletes from across the country as well as families looking for a fun, healthy day outside together; and we look forward to welcoming everyone to beautiful Ulster County.”

“We are excited to have the Kiwanis Kingston Classic in Kingston,” said Mayor Steve Noble.  “It is a great economic development opportunity to showcase uptown Kingston and the surrounding area.  Good luck to all of the participants.”

“We are thrilled to offer runners a variety of events so each participant can customize their race as well as their experience in our beautiful region,” said HITS Endurance CEO Tom Struzzieri.  “This year’s race will showcase some of the county’s most compelling landscapes and landmarks. From the historical uptown section of New York State’s first capital – Kingston – to the scenic rail trails and the Rosendale Trestle, participants will see some of the most breathtaking sites our region has to offer.”

Ulster County Director of Tourism Rick Remsnyder detailed some of this year’s race enhancements, “This year will see a compressed morning start schedule as well as reduced entrance fees, making this a family event not to be missed.”

“No matter which race distance participants are competing in, every event starts and finishes at the grandstand at Dietz Memorial Stadium in Kingston, with spectators, friends and families cheering on each runner,” Struzzieri said. 

The event is managed by HITS Endurance, Saugerties, a special events management company focused on producing endurance sports events and hunter/jumper horse shows, and organized by the Kiwanis Club of Kingston.  It features five distance events: A “Friends & Family Mile,” 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon which is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

This year, early registration (by April 16) entry fees are $30 per person for the 10K race and $25 for the 5K.  Entry fees will increase one week before race day. The marathon and half-marathon registration fees are the same (Marathon: $95 up until April 23 event expo, $105 after; Half-marathon: $80 up until April 23 event expo, $90 after).

While the 5K and 10K races remain participant favorites, the different distance options are expected to draw beginners, those looking for a tune-up race and elite athletes as well. 

Many of the race’s enhancements are designed to appeal to local families.  For example, the new race-day schedule has all events taking place in the morning. This will allow families to race different distances while starting and finishing their events at similar times.  Additionally, the Kiwanis Club will host family-friendly activities so relatives and friends of participants can stay entertained while cheering for their favorite runners.

Runner training and support is available in advance of the race and on race day.  “We have arranged with Lyle Schuler at MAC Fitness to create a training program, which will be available for those runners who need or want the support,” said Struzzieri.  “We have also renewed our relationship with HealthAlliance to continue as the official Health & Wellness Partner for the race and manage the medical tent and medical stations along the course.” 

Registration for the Kingston Classic is currently open through April 22 at noon. For more information or to register, visit www.kiwaniskingstonclassic.com/registration. There is also registration at the event expo and on race day.

Maps of the races can be accessed at www.kiwaniskingstonclassic.com/race-info/courses

Schedule (times subject to change)

Saturday, April 23 – Robert Dietz Memorial Stadium

• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Athlete packet pick-up for all distances

• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Fitness Expo

• 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Athlete meeting for all distances

Sunday, April 24 – Robert Dietz Memorial Stadium

• 7 a.m.: Half-marathon and Marathon start

• 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Fitness Expo

• 9:30 a.m.: Half-marathon awards ceremony

• 10 a.m.: 5K start

• 10:30 a.m.: Friends and Family Mile start

• 11 a.m.: 10K start

• 11:15 a.m.: 5K awards ceremony

• 12 p.m.: Marathon awards ceremony

• 12:45 p.m.: 10K awards ceremony 

Pictured below (from left) William Spearman representing the Kiwanis Club of Kingston; County Executive Mike Hein. Tom Struzzieri, CEO of HITS Endurance; and City of Kingston Mayor Steve Noble.