Saint Alphonsus Capitol Classic Kids Run Returns to Boise for 42nd Year

Event Returns to Downtown Boise

The event is co-sponsored by Saint Alphonsus and the Treasure Valley Family YMCA. Tickets are $30 for the one mile run and $25 for the adaptive course, KTVB reported.

Runners and walkers will begin their journey at the Idaho State Capitol, make their way along both Jefferson and Bannock streets, and cross the finish line inside Cecil D. Andrus Park. The looped course offers parents an array of opportunities to see their children take part in the event.

Health System Leaders Emphasize Youth Fitness

"Active kids are happy kids, and nothing shows that better than the Capitol Classic," said David McFadyen, CEO and president of Saint Alphonsus Health System. "Whether they're boosting confidence, building strong bodies or simply having fun with friends, this one‑mile run helps young people discover the joy of moving. It's a celebration of health, community and childhood at its best."

"The Capitol Classic reflects everything the YMCA stands for ― celebrating our youth, bringing families together and encouraging healthy habits ― early in life," said David Duro, president and CEO of the Treasure Valley Family YMCA. "In partnership with Saint Alphonsus, we're proud to host an event where children of all abilities can move, play and achieve."

Adaptive Course Expands Access

There is an adaptive course for kids with physical or mental disabilities that starts at 11:00am. The adaptive course loops around Cecil D. Andrus Park, according to KTVB.

For a sixth consecutive year, children with physical and/or intellectual challenges will be granted free entry to the race courtesy of Ability.org. Volunteers from the group will also be stationed along the course to help provide support and encouragement to those needing additional assistance.

Team IncludeAbility will provide volunteers to serve as Race Buddies for extra support, encouragement, and fun to any participant who requests one, according to the Treasure Valley Family YMCA.

Race History Spans Four Decades

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 that 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 with 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.

For 42 years the Treasure Valley Family YMCA and Saint Alphonsus have joined forces to sponsor this beloved run.

Registration and Logistics

Packet Pick Up: Friday, May 29th from 3-7pm at Bandanna Running & Walking (504 W Main St, Boise ID 83702). Race Day Packet Pick Up: Saturday, May 30th at the Start Area from 8:00am - 10:30am.

Due to limited parking availability, race organizers are encouraging participants, family and supporters to bike, carpool or walk to the event.

Every participant is a winner, receiving a commemorative medal and a stylish T-shirt.

Saint Alphonsus Expands Across Treasure Valley

The Capitol Classic comes as Saint Alphonsus Health System continues expanding its footprint across the Treasure Valley. On March 9, Saint Alphonsus Health System announced the expansion of its Nampa campus and the construction of new medical complex in Meridian. In Nampa, Saint Alphonsus will expand on its existing complex at 4300 E. Flamingo Avenue, building an additional 254,000-square-foot wing to the west of the facility.

The Nampa groundbreaking is slated for June 2026 with completion expected in the fall of 2028. Through these expansions, Saint Alphonsus expects to hire approximately 250 to 350 new staff, the Idaho Press reported.

Idaho has historically ranked low in number of beds as well as physicians per capita, according to McFadyen. "We're 50 out of 50 when it comes to states in the country for physician supply and certain specialty supply," McFadyen said.

Community Health Focus

McFadyen has led Saint Alphonsus Health System through a period of workforce development and expansion. During his tenure, he has placed a strong em-phasis on workforce initiatives aimed at building a pipeline of health care workers and lead-ers, including strengthening partnerships with schools, workforce development programs and focusing on career progression within the organization. Under McFadyen's leadership, Saint Alphonsus and Mountain States Institute for Graduate Medical Education and Research (MSI) opened Idaho's newest Family Medicine Residency Program in 2025.

The health system serves as one of the Treasure Valley's largest employers. Recognized as one of America's best large employers in 2025, his leadership has helped improve the lives of Idahoans of all kinds, according to Idaho Business Review.

The Capitol Classic represents one element of Saint Alphonsus's broader community health mission. "When four distinct orders of Catholic sisters founded Saint Alphon-sus's first hospitals more than 130 years ago, they were called to serve growing population centers that needed better access to health care. While our world looks a bit different today, one thing has not changed in over a century of work at Saint Alphonsus: An unwavering commitment to caring for God's sick. Under David's stewardship, the organization contin-ues to honor our founding sisters' legacy by bringing compassionate and healing care to the people of southwest Idaho and beyond," a nominator shared with Idaho Business Review.