The Great Pumpkin Run
Scott Klase number 123 starts the race on Sunday. Photo by Hannah Buffington.
Adorned with costumes, tutus, and running shoes, runners of the 26th annual Great Pumpkin Run took off without a hitch.
Individuals of all ages participated, even Tytus Jansen, an elementary schooler in Corvallis.
“The race was good, I did good,” said Jansen, accompanied by his grandfather, Larry Jansen.
The Great Pumpkin Run took place at the Benton County Fairgrounds Oct. 9, at 9 a.m. Runners got ready for the selections of 1K, 5K, 10K runs by stretching, drinking plenty of fluid, and grabbing a bite to eat with the local vendors.
“It was so friendly, I made lot of friends that want to run with me,” said Leigh Anderson, bib number 9. “It’s my first year, I am sick, so I was looking forward to this run.”
5th place winner of the 10K run was Warren Young, a Linn-Benton Student, major in natural resource management. Young is also the 1st Place holder of the 10K in his age group, clocking in his run at a time of 42 minutes and 49 seconds.
“Don’t stop, keep the pace, and don’t look back,” said Young.
Young trained frequently for the race.
“I would go for five, six mile runs a week, always with my three dogs,” said Young.
In 2007, Home Life took over the event from its original organizer, Kiwanis, so the event could be more focused on Home Life’s cause.
Homelife is a non-profit organization for individuals with developmental disorders. The Great Pumpkin Run is also a fundraiser, and with every win and every person who signs up to be in the run, an amount of their registration fee is donated. Homelife also provides vocational courses and teaches work and life skills.
“We have our own clients and we have some other are running in the race, and we had Parker complete the race, he’s the first to come through,” said Mike Lee, a coordinator of the race with Homelife.
A beer garden was provided to runners over the age of 21 and a pint of Calapooia Brewery amber ale was given to the of-age runners.
The raced ended up raising over $400 for Homelife.
Sponsors of The Great Pumpkin Run are Calapooia Brewing Co., Gerding Builders LLC., Barker-Uerlings Insurance, UnitedHealthcare, G & J Auto Sales, Acuity LLC., Korvis Automation, Anytime Fitness, Cornerstone Associates Inc., Samaritan Health Services, R & J Mobility Service, Running Princess, Oregon State Credit Union, Citizen’s Bank, Five Star Sports, and Block 15.
Article by Hannah Buffington
Featured Photo by Andrew Schulze
