FDLTCC To Hold 7th Annual Pumpkin Run

Oct 7, 2012

Northland Sports Online

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College will be hosting the seventh annual Pumpkin Run and Walk at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 20, 2012. 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 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. “With all of the early registrations coming in, we expect a similar number for this year. Our pumpkins are on order from premium pumpkin growers, and our sponsors have been quick to jump back on board again. Participants can expect the same great race and festive atmosphere at this year’s Pumpkin Run and Walk.”

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 tri-athlete 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.

“Our post-race surveys each year tell us that people really enjoy the Pumpkin Run,” said Urbanski. “They

confirm that we have a nice course with solid competition, as well as having a friendly attitude for the walkers and family participants looking for a nice workout and fun time. We look forward to reading the fun comments after the race each year and make notes on how to change things for future years. The surveys indicate that we have a good thing going here.”

The Pumpkin Run course has been accurately measured and is certified by the USATF. The 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 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+. 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.

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