Secure your spot now for the Saint Alphonsus Capitol Classic Kids Run! Open to kids ages 6 to 14 of all abilities, this special one-mile journey kicks off at the historic Boise Train Depot, culminating in a festive Finish Fair at Cecil D. Andrus Park by the State Capitol. Every participant is a winner, receiving a commemorative medal and a stylish T-shirt.
For 40 years, the Treasure Valley Family YMCA and Saint Alphonsus have joined forces to sponsor this beloved run. Aligned in our commitment to community health, especially the well-being of our youth, our collaboration promises a fantastic and memorable experience for all participants. Let’s make this 40th-anniversary celebration one for the books as we stride together towards a healthier, happier community!
Registration:
Online registration is open through May 30, 2024
In-person registration will only be available on May 30th at Big Al’s from noon to 7:00 p.m.
No race day registrations.
Need Financial Assistance?
All children deserve the chance to realize their potential and participate in our events. To receive financial assistance, please email racedirector@ymcatvidaho.org.
Can parents run with the kids?
Yes! . . . with a couple of caveats:
If you want to run alongside your child, please start at the back of the pack, behind the start line of the 6-year-olds.
Only one grownup per child, please.
Adults will not receive a medal or shirt and need not register.
If you’d like to be one of the adult volunteers to ensure safety along the course, please visit this link to sign up.
Let’s let the kids shine! Thank you for supporting their sense of accomplishment!
IncludeAbility is Partnering with the Capitol Classic again in 2024! IncludeAbility provides:
Free Entry for runners with Physical/ Intellectual Challenges
Text 208 602 1810 to receive that code and more information
IncludeAbility Support
Team IncludeAbility will provide volunteers from Boise High to serve as Race Buddies for extra support, encouragement, and fun to any participant who requests one!
Email: racedirector@ymcatvidaho.org to request a running buddy!
IncludeAbility Mission
IncludeAbility promotes the inclusion of youth with physical and/or intellectual challenges in mainstream sports
For more information visit: includeability.org
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, email: racedirector@ymcatvidaho.org
Packet Pick-Up…Don’t Miss it!
Packet Pick will be held at Big Al’s in Meridian on Thursday, May 30th from noon-7 pm. Please remember that this is the only option to pick up your race packet. Join us at Big Al’s to collect your bib number, and your child’s t-shirt and designate a colored flag to meet your child in the Finish Line area.
There is no race day registration or packet pick-up available.
Race Start & Drop Off Area
All racers must be at the Boise Depot between 9-9:30 am on Saturday, June 3. The drop-off lane at Eastover Terraces closes at 9:30 am. There is no registration or packet pick-up on race day. You can get back down to the Capitol and Cecil D Andrus Park via Crescent Rim/Latah/Americana or Crescent Rim/Peasley/Rose Hill/Visit/Capitol Blvd. (please note – this route will be CLOSED after 9:40 am, as the police will close northbound traffic at University Drive).
Race Drop at the Boise Depot: Drop off is just that, drop off. Drivers need to stay in their vehicles and allow the Race Volunteers to escort their racers from the car to the proper starting area. Please do not get out of your vehicle.
Tip: Take your pre-race pictures at home!
Race Bib: Bib numbers need to be pinned to the front of the body on the outermost layer of clothing. Do not exchange bib numbers among siblings or friends, each child’s name, emergency contact, and color of flag where the child is meeting their family will be on the back of the bib to help with confusion.
This race is a chip-timed event, on the back of the bib is a timing chip. Please do not bind or remove the timing chip.
Shortened/Adaptive Race Course:
The Capitol Classic encourages kids with all abilities to participate. There is an adaptive course for kids with physical or mental disabilities that starts at 9:30 prior to the main race. This race will start at the corner of Capitol and Idaho. For questions on adaptive course, please contact Kate Mason at 208-367-4250
Parking
At the START, parking access for adaptive participants and volunteers is from Ruby Street.
At the FINISH, there is parking in the downtown area near the Capitol Building and Cecil D Andrus Park. Remember to push the meter for your free 20 minutes, meters are running on weekends in the downtown area.
Check out this link for the Park Mobile App, maps of meter spots, and parking garages in the area. City of Boise Parking Info>>
Finish Line
The Finish Line Celebration will be in Cecil D Andrus Park. All children will receive a medal in the finish line area and be ushered into the park to reconnect with their families. There will be water and a healthy snack for all finishers. Then you can visit booths to learn about our Race Sponsors and fun summer activities.
How do I find my child? What happens at the end of the Race?
Giant colored flags in red, blue, green, and pink will be at the Finish Celebration for all to see. We recommend that you choose a color with your child and designate that color of the flag for your meeting place.
We ask that parents and guardians stay off the race course and do not enter the finish line area. Please remember the finish line is exciting, be patient while you wait for your child to make it to your designated meeting spot.
Tip: We will have markers at packet pick up so you can mark the color on the back of your child’s bib with that color (a little reminder for them, in case they forget).
Race History:
The Saint Alphonsus Capitol Classic Race was started by Ron and Betsy Twilegar in 1983 to encourage young people to become interested in physical fitness, especially running. At the first race held on September 2, 1983, 1,000 children ran from the State Capitol Building to the Union Pacific Depot. Through the efforts of Dr. Michael and Kirsten Coughlin, Saint Alphonsus became involved in supporting the race in 1987. The race date was changed to the end of the school year and has continued as a tradition for many Treasure Valley families.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no registration or packet pick-up on race day.
Can I walk or run with my child?
Absolutely! Parents who want to run alongside their children are free to do so. However, let’s keep in mind the focus of this run – it’s all about our youth! We request having one adult per child for safety reasons. If you plan to run with your kids, we recommend joining them after the starting line or starting your group at the back of the pack. Let’s give our kids the chance to shine! Parents do not need to register. Parents will not receive a medal or shirt.
We partner with the organization, THRIVE, which provides volunteers to run with children who may need extra assistance to complete the course. THRIVE will have volunteers at the starting line to escort youth to the finish line, our team will get them set up with a volunteer if needed. Please be sure to select the option when registering.
What kind of precautions and security measures are taken to keep kids safe?
More than 250 volunteers team up with us along with Boise Police Department and Boise Motor Escort to carefully monitor the race from start to finish ensuring the safety of the children. Volunteers will be wearing shirts with “VOLUNTEER” imprinted on the front. At the START, adult volunteers stay with the children as they are organized in their individual age and gender groups.
Does my child have to run the entire race? What if my child cannot finish the race?
Kids of all abilities are encouraged to participate, regardless of their speed. Some children run the entire race but may walk, skip, or do a little of both. Just in case, we do have official pick-up vehicles for anyone unable to finish. Remember – everyone is a winner and all youth participants receive a medal and refreshments at the Finish Line.
What happens at the end of the race? How do I find my child? How do I find my parent?
Giant colored flags in red, blue, green, and pink, will be the Finish Line for all to see. We recommend that you choose a color with your child and designate that color of the flag for your meeting place. We suggest marking your child’s bib with the color. Please remember the Finish Line is exciting and chaotic, be patient while waiting for your child to make it to your designated meeting spot. If you get separated from your child, please go to the BOB FM Radio booth and they will announce over the sound system the name of the missing person.
Tips For Capitol Classic:
Pin your racer’s bib number to the FRONT of their shirt or outermost layer of clothing in all four pin holes.
Don’t cover the bib, make sure it is visible at all times.
Take pictures at home before hopping in the car.
Give kisses and well wishes so they will be ready to join their age group when you drop them off at the Boise Depot
No water bottles, we will have water available for those who need it before the start.
Children are encouraged to wear their Capitol Classic Shirt on Race Day
Start and finish maps will be included at packet pick-up.
