Pumpkin Run/Walk set for Oct. 20

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College will host the seventh annual Pumpkin Run and Walk at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20. The race distance is 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) and the route will begin and end on the campus at 2101 14th St., Cloquet. The event is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. The entry fee is $20 for everyone, with special pre-registration rates for students and individuals if submitted prior to Oct. 15. Entry forms are available at area running stores and sporting goods stores, at the college, and on the college website at http://fdltcc.edu/businessandcommunity/pumpkin run/.

To celebrate the theme of the race, participants are encouraged, but certainly not required, to wear Halloween costumes or wear orange clothing. Prizes will be given for the best costumes, and the competition for best costume is always popular.

“The Pumpkin Run and Walk race has been a lot of fun for participants and for the people who help organize and volunteer at the event,” said Tom Urbanski, director of public information at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. “Last year we set a participation record with over 300 official participants, which is a perfect size for our event.”

Pre-registrations have been received from runners and walkers as far away as the Twin Cities and Wisconsin. The race attracts top-level talent as well as families and recreational runners and walkers. The course record of 15:13 is held by Eric Hartmark, one of Minnesota’s best distance runners and a past qualifier for the U.S. Olympic Trials in the marathon event. Top Minnesota triathlete Marlo McGaver of Duluth is the only two-time winner of the race in the women’s division, although legendary Minnesota runner Rochelle Wirth holds the women’s course record.

The Pumpkin Run course has been accurately measured and is certified by the USATF. The 5K course is essentially flat, featuring a fast downhill stretch with a return trip up the same hill. Mile markers will be posted and traffic control safety will be conducted by Law Enforcement Training program and Nursing program students at the college and with assistance from the Cloquet Police Department and neighbors who live along the race route.

Every registered finisher will receive a long-sleeve T-shirt and post-race refreshments. Medals will be awarded to the top three overall male and female finishers. Age group awards will be given to the top male and female in each of the following age groups: under 18, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60-plus. An award will be given to the fastest male and female Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College student.

The event offers indoor facilities and warm gathering areas before and after the race, healthy refreshments after the race, plenty of free parking in campus lots, and door prize drawings.

For questions, call 218-879-0800.

Tags: fond du lac tribal and community college, sports