The 2023 Syttende Mai Classic is a one-of-a-kind race for enthusiasts and weekend road warriors alike. The race is one of many events during the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce Syttende Mai Festival which marks Norway’s Constitution Day.
Syttende Mai will take place May 19-21, and the Syttende Mai Classic is on May 20. The race offers 20- and 10-mile run courses and 17-mile walk courses. The route has changed over the years, but the hallmark aspects of a challenging, unique, and enjoyable experience have remained intact.
According to a Stoughton Area Chamber of Commerce news release, after reviewing participant feedback on the 2022 race, Syttende Mai Classic and festival coordinators consulted with race management experts. Their assessment highlighted safety concerns for participants and volunteers.
The 2022 route had many stretches with little shoulder space on the road. In some stretches, the shoulder space was a ditch. Their strong recommendation was to change the course.
“Changes to the Syttende Mai Classic are never taken lightly, however the safety of our participants and volunteers is not up for debate,” read the news release. “It cannot take second place to other elements that can be changed while protecting those hallmark aspects of a challenging, unique, and enjoyable experience.”
The new routes take the name Syttende Mai Classic to heart. The Syttende Mai Festival is
Stoughton’s moment to shine as a community to our fellow residents and many visitors. The race will do the same taking participants through town with more opportunities for residents to get out and support them.
Pride in our city and generous hospitality are Classic Stoughton traits. This race will highlight both.
The new routes were reviewed by Stoughton Officials including Lt. Brandon Hill, who said “Not only is the new race course safer for the participants and volunteers, it greatly cuts down on the public safety resources that are needed for the run. In addition to allowing the participants to see more of our city, it doesn’t close the major roadways into Stoughton allowing visitors better access to the festivities.”
To register or for more information, visit stoughtonfestivals.com.
