ANNOUNCING THE RUNNER’S WORLD CLASSIC IN NORTH ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS

RUNNER'S WORLD

Join the editors of “Runner’s World” for three races during the weekend of July 15-17.

Dave McGillivray

Hockey fans know what a hat trick is. In fact, my 10-year-old son has garnered a hat trick in his last three hockey games.

Now, runners can experience their own hat trick in my own backyard by running in three consecutive races over two days.

I’m excited to announce the kick-off of the Runner’s World Classic. This new event and race will be held on the stunning grounds of Merrimack College (my alma mater) in North Andover, Massachusetts, during the weekend of July 15–17. The event will benefit many local charities and worthwhile causes and is modeled after the Runner’s World Half & Festival held every October in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

The “Classic” will begin with a children’s fun run at 6 p.m. Friday, July 15. Then the races get going on Saturday with the 5K starting at 7 a.m. and the 10K following soon after at 8:30 a.m. Our marquee event—the half marathon—takes place at 7 a.m. on Sunday. Do all three and you’ve accomplished the coveted running Hat Trick for the weekend—that’s 22.4 miles in a two-day span.

In addition to these races, our race will hold a special “Celebrity Mile” with about a dozen local celebrities from the sports, media, and political world. I did one of these years ago and it was so fun to watch and rub elbows with many of these icons. We will be announcing the list of celebrities participating in early May. 

A pasta dinner will also be offered to all participants, giving them the chance to dine with many Runner’s World editors and fellow racers. Along with an interactive health and fitness expo during the weekend, an engaging speakers series will also be held on Saturday with Runner’s World Editor-at-Large Amby Burfoot, Chief Running Officer Bart Yasso, and Runner’s World Director of Training Budd Coates, along with many other running experts to help run and race your best.

Lastly, you don’t want to miss the postrace festival with a live band, great food, and beverages for all ages.

And this is just the start. Each day we are adding more and more great elements to the weekend, which we hope to be announcing soon. 

Everyone these days seems to be looking for the “next challenge.” Well, here you go—three events in two days. Bring the entire family as we’re striving to make this a fun and friendly event for all.

For more information on the Runner’s World Classic and to register, go to rwclassic.com.