Capitol Classic
Registration Information
For questions, please contact Rachel Flachbart via email or phone 208-367-5659.
Join us for the
Capitol Classic
When: Sunday, May 30, 2026
Where: Idaho State Capitol
Join us for the 42nd Saint Alphonsus Capitol Classic Kids Run! This beloved one-mile run is open to children 14 under. Our NEW course begins in front of the State Capitol, with participants racing down Jefferson, up Bannock and back to Cecil D. Andrus Park.
Hosted by Saint Alphonsus and the Treasure Valley Family YMCA, the Capitol Kids Classic is a cherished tradition that fosters a sense of community and encourages a healthy lifestyle.
To register and participate, click here
About the Race
The first Capitol Classic Race for Children took place on September 2, 1983. The idea was hatched by Ron and Betsy Twilegar, who had seen a childrens-only race in Portland, and organized a group of parents to launch a similar event in Boise. The iconic course – the mile-long stretch between the Idaho State Capitol and the landmark Train Depot – was established, and the event was a huge success. The parent volunteers handed out medals and ice cream at the finish, and an early-summer tradition was born. After a few years, the founding parent volunteers were moving into a different phase of life and wanted to turn over the event to an entity that would keep it running (pun intended!). A special couple among the founding parent volunteers, Kirsten and Michael Coughlin, MD, decided to personally fund the event for a couple of years until Dr. Coughlin, an orthopedic surgeon at Saint Alphonsus, persuaded the CEO at the time, Chris Anton, to absorb the race into the hospital’s community outreach programming. Since 1987, Saint Alphonsus has been proud to promote youth fun and fitness in downtown Boise. Over time, the event has evolved by changing course direction, enhancing access and safety, and being inclusive of kids of all abilities. In recent years, the YMCA has partnered in bringing expertise and experience in community fun runs. We are grateful to the catalysts and the keepers of this special event for kids and families, the Capitol Classic!