Pumpkin Run: Lepisto breaks course record while Tomhave family gets best dressed race award

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It was a record-breaking day Saturday at the Pumpkin Run and Walk 5K Race held at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in Cloquet. In fact, a total of nine different age groups set records in this year’s race, which drew a total of 299 runners and walkers.

In the women’s division, Amanda Lepisto of Duluth placed first with a new course record time of 19:20.The previous course record of 19:25 was set by Rochelle Wirth in 2008. Janet Rosen of Cloquet was second and Kathi Madden finished in third place.

Sean Gaskell of Duluth led all runners to the finish in a time of 17:04. Gaskell also won the race in 2007. Jerimy Hallsten of Esko was second overall and Gary Lepisto of Duluth was third.

But the day isn’t only about running fast.

Many of the race participants helped celebrate the theme and season of the Pumpkin Run event by wearing costumes or orange and black clothing. Among those receiving prizes in the costume division were three Jail Birds, a Minnesota Viking, three young Dancing Pumpkins, Pumpkin No. 407, and three characters from the movie “Despicable Me.” The Steve Tomhave family earned an award for the best family ensemble.

The race course started on the FDLTCC campus and then followed 14th Street going south to the Valley View neighborhood and then turned around on Harner Lane and returned along 14th Street to the campus.

A number of local businesses helped sponsor the race through prize and refreshment donations.

Complete race results are available at www.myvira.com and a photo gallery will be posted on the college Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/fdltcc.

Tags: fond du lac, sports