The Classic
Photo courtesy of Hinson Ltd
The New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix and Family Day returns for its 20th iteration with musical guest Nick Jonas, hometown competitor Ali Wolff and a partnership with COSI.
In 1998, the inaugural New Albany Classic drew about 3,500 people, many of whom had never seen or experienced show jumping. Nearly 20 years later, the Classic is expected to draw around 17,000 people.
“I felt (the first Classic) was a huge success because I was skeptical about whether people would show up,” says Classic founder Abigail Wexner. “After all, show jumping is such a niche sport and it was not presented at this level in central Ohio before the New Albany Classic. My fear at the time was, what if we threw a party and nobody came?”
Between the return of Jonas and the Classic’s newly-forged partnership with COSI, there are no such worries this year. The COSI pop-up experience will include activities exclusive to the Classic that frequent COSI visitors have yet to see.
“Getting out into the community gives us a great chance to do things we don’t often get to do inside our building, like creating the human bubble or programming bee robots,” says COSI CEO Frederic Bertley. “And then, of course, there is the chance to meet and interact with our very own celebrity chief scientist, Dr. Paul Sutter.”
There will be something fascinating for all ages, Bertley says, and even a few activities COSI fans can try at home.
“We’re … seeing legions of show jumping fans develop,” says Wexner. “The autograph lines for the riders grow longer and longer, and the crowds enthusiastically cheer on their favorite riders and horses during the Classic.”
Photo courtesy of Hinson Ltd
This environment is one of the reasons riders keep coming back to compete, Wexner says, and why the Classic has been named the No. 1 specialty equestrian event in North America for four consecutive years by the North American Riders Group.
It’s only fitting that, on its 20th year, the Classic welcomes back a musical guest who performed at the very first Concert at the Classic. Unlike in previous years, Jonas’ performance will follow the Grand Prix, allowing for more time on stage.
The autograph lines for the riders grow longer and longer, and the crowds enthusiastically cheer on their favorite riders and horses during the Classic.
“I think it is critical with events like this that you constantly evaluate and tweak them so they remain fresh for the attendees,” says Wexner. “We also don’t want to lose sight of the details of executing a really fun day for families that keeps them coming back year after year while raising funds to support the critical work of the Center for Family Safety and Healing.”
Jonas isn’t the only fan favorite returning to the Classic this year. Wolff will compete after turning professional last year and beginning a successful career on the international show jumping circuit.
Photo courtesy of Hinson Ltd
“I return to the Classic every year … to support horse shows in Ohio and specifically Columbus,” says Wolff. “I love my hometown and want others to visit and see what makes Columbus so unique.”
Wolff grew up nearby and attended the Classic as a spectator from a very young age. She was first invited to compete as an 18-year-old amateur in 2007. She has had seven starts since then, with a third-place finish while still an amateur.
Since last year’s Classic, Wolff competed in Wellington, Fla. for a 12-week circuit, and spent six weeks traveling and competing in Europe.
“This year I am most excited about coming back to the Classic, seeing my family and being able to compete for a worthy cause,” says Wolff. “Of course, the amazing food doesn’t hurt either.”
The Walk
The New Albany Walking Classic is returning for its 13th year. With a new walking division and course length, new finisher medals, and a flashy new Walking Classic jacket, there is plenty to celebrate.
Due to construction on the course, the 10K route will be reduced to five miles. The half marathon division will be removed this year, but those still interested in walking a half marathon will have the opportunity to do so through the Walking Classic’s partnership with the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon.
“We have partnered with the Columbus Marathon … so people can do the five miles (at the Walking Classic), and when they finish, the results will also go over to the Columbus Marathon,” says Dr. Phil Heit, executive director and founder of Healthy New Albany Inc. and the Walking Classic. “The Columbus Marathon can compare their half marathon walking finishers with ours, and those who participate in both will receive a special medal.”
Photo courtesy of Healthy New Albany
For the first time, 100 adults will be permitted to walk in the stroller division this year, which will be in the last corral at the start. There is no additional registration fee for the children, and adults walking with strollers will still receive all of the perks offered to non-stroller division participants.
We don’t want to grow it by numbers. It’s not the numbers that are important. ... It’s the quality of the event.
All registered participants will receive crystal finisher medals and, of course, the coveted Walking Classic jacket. The scarlet and gray jacket is striped with reflective strips for safe outdoor walking at night. This not only complements the Walking Classic’s presenting partnership with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, but it promotes walker safety, especially at night time.
Though about 500 community volunteers play a vital role in the operation and execution of the Walking Classic, “only 13 percent of participants in the walk are from New Albany,” says Heit.
Photo courtesy of Healthy New Albany
The Walking Classic draws participants from 40 states and Canada.
“The remaining 87 percent come from about 40 different states and 350 ZIP codes. It’s truly a national event,” he says.
Heit credits the Walking Classic’s national recognition to natural marketing fueled by enthusiastic participants.
“Being that it’s our 13th year now, (news about the Walking Classic) is spread by word of mouth,” says Heit. “It really projects all over the country.”
In the future, Healthy New Albany Inc. hopes to branch out and implement the walk into other cities, but Heit is determined to uphold the event’s standard of excellence.
“We don’t want to grow it by numbers. It’s not the numbers that are important,” says Heit. “It’s the quality of the event.”
Jenny Wise is an assistant editor. Feedback welcome at adeperro@cityscenemediagroup.com.
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