Chestertown Tea Party Distance Classic Race and Run for Radcliffe

The 30th Annual Chestertown Tea Party Distance Classic Race and Run for Radcliffe is a landmark athletic event that kicks off the historic Chestertown Tea Party Festival. Scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026, the races start at Wilmer Park and wind through the scenic countryside of Kent County, Maryland. The event serves as a primary fundraiser for the Radcliffe Creek School (RCS) Scholarship Fund, supporting students with learning differences such as dyslexia and ADHD.

Event Logistics and Participant Information:

• -- Packet Pick-Up: Participants can collect their bibs on Friday, May 22, at Radcliffe Creek School (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM) or on race morning at Wilmer Park starting at 6:30 AM.
• -- Shuttle Service: For convenience, a shuttle operates between Radcliffe Creek School and Wilmer Park starting at 6:00 AM on race day.
• -- Registration: Online registration remains open until the event begins, though early registration is encouraged to secure a race shirt and lower rates. In-person registration on race day incurs an additional fee.
• -- Mission and Impact: Radcliffe Creek School is the only K-8 school on Maryland’s Eastern Shore specifically for students with learning differences. The Run for Radcliffe directly funds scholarships, enabling children to access research-backed, customized instruction.
• -- Fundraising Progress: The community has currently raised $736 toward a $5,000 goal for the RCS Scholarship Fund. Top individual donors and fundraisers are leading the effort.
• -- Corporate and Family Support: The event is backed by a wide range of local sponsors, including the Coll Family, the RCS Board of Trustees, and various local businesses like Crow Vineyard & Winery and Optimum Therapy.
• -- Race Amenities: Registered participants receive a complimentary t-shirt (if ordered by the cutoff), professional timing, and access to water stops along the course.
• -- Event Tradition: As the 30th annual occurrence, this race is a deeply integrated part of the Chestertown Tea Party Festival, drawing hundreds of participants to the Wilmer Park area.
• -- Contact: Organized by Radcliffe Creek School. For specific inquiries, participants can contact Laura Livingston at 410-778-8150 x104.

The Chestertown Tea Party Distance Classic 2026 offers a blend of competitive racing and community philanthropy, set against the backdrop of one of Maryland's most celebrated local festivals.