Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College will be hosting the tenth annual Pumpkin Run & Walk at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2015. The race distance is five kilometers (3.1 miles) and the route will begin and end on the campus at 2101 14th Street in Cloquet. The event is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. The entry fee leading up to and on race day is $20.00 for everyone, with special pre-registration rates for students and individuals if submitted prior to October 19. Entry forms are available at area running stores and sporting goods stores, at the college, and on the college website at www.fdltcc.edu. Online registration is available at www.zapevent.com.
“We have always thought of the Pumpkin Run as a community event held on our campus,” said Tom Urbanski, director of public information at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. “We see participants of all ages and abilities, with lots of area residents as well as many who travel a long way to get here. It’s a fun theme and a festive event, and we know that is why so many racers from previous years return to run or walk again in the Pumpkin Run.”
The Pumpkin Run has been annually averaging around 300 participants in the past few years, which race organizers feel is a perfect size for the event. Compared to prior years, 2015 participant pre-registrations have been trending much higher.
“We’re planning for a similar-size race as in the past few years and our local sponsors were quick to jump back on board again,” said Urbanski. “Participants can expect the same great race and atmosphere at this year’s Pumpkin Run and Walk.”
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.
The race attracts top-level talent as well as families, recreational runners, and walkers. The course record of 15:13 is held by five-time winner Eric Hartmark, one of Minnesota’s best distance runners and a past qualifier for the U.S. Olympic Trials in the Marathon event. Although roughly 25 percent of participants are walkers, the race course has a reputation for producing fast times and is certified by the USATF.
“Last year we had three runners who set course records in their respective age-group divisions,” said Urbanski. “I recently received a few inquiries and messages from top runners in the area who are planning to enter this year, so I hope we will have a good group leading the front of the pack.”
The Pumpkin Run’s five-kilometer course is a mix of the campus ring road, County Road 3 (14th Street), and the residential streets of Valley View Drive and Harner Lane. Essentially flat, the course features 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 and Nursing program students at the college, with assistance from the Cloquet Police Department, local area Boy Scouts, 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 15, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+. An award will be given to the fastest male and female Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College students who pre-register for the race.
The event offers indoor facilities and warm gathering areas before and after the race, healthy refreshments, free parking in campus lots, and door prize drawings.
For more information or to get an entry form, visit the college web site at www.fdltcc.edu/campus-life/pumpkin-run-walk/ or call 218-879-0800.

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