2015 Lake Bluff Pumpkin Chase 5K Race to be Held Saturday, October 17

Early on the morning of Saturday, October 17, 2015, as the sun begins to rise over Lake Bluff, adults and children, amateur runners and professionals, will gather for the 28th Annual Lake Bluff PTO Pumpkin Chase 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run. This annual fundraiser is the biggest one of the year. All proceeds benefit the Lake Bluff School District 65. The 5K run begins at 8 a.m., and the 1 Mile Fun Run race immediately follows at approximately 9:15 a.m.

This year, the Pumpkin Chase is part of the newly formed Lake County Race Series, a four-race circuit that provides cash prizes for race participation and scoring based on four Age-Graded categories. The series includes the GLASA 5K Twilight Run of Lake Forest, The Swinging Bridge 8K at Lake Forest Open Lands, The Pumpkin Chase 5K of Lake Bluff, and The Red Ribbon 5k Race of Lake Forest.

“This series truly exemplifies our continued community efforts,” said 14-year Race Director Rich Martin. “All of these courses give runners opportunities to give back, while winning cash prizes and muscles in return!”

The Pumpkin Chase is known for being an easy and beautiful course through the tree-lined streets of east Lake Bluff and overlooking the shores of Lake Michigan. Last year it had a record turnout of over 800 participants and raised $23,000. Even more participants are expected this year.

In addition to acquiring USATF course certification and bib chip timing technology, the race is now CARA certified. This new certification exemplifies the highest standards for execution of a road race. Because of this certification, Pumpkin Chase is increasingly attracting elite runners from around the North Shore and greater Chicagoland area, such as 1996 Olympic Marathon Trails Champion Jenny Spangler.

“The Lake Bluff PTO Pumpkin Chase 5K is a racer’s dream - the course is flat, fast, scenic, and certified!” said Spangler. “But for me, the most important aspect of this event is that it’s fun and a wonderful way to celebrate fall with your entire family. Coupled with the post-race Pumpkin Fest, it is a fun morning for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re running or cheering others on.”

As a Chase tradition, one lucky student of District 65 will serve as “Mr. Pumpkinhead,” dressed incognito as a pumpkin and perched on the back of a terrific convertible, leading the Chase. Who will be this year’s Mr. Pumpkinhead? No one knows until the great reveal after the race. Kids and families share in this delight and celebrate afterwards at the Pumpkin Fest, long loved for its pumpkin decorating, carnival games, face painting, hair streaking, home baked goods and kids’ craft sales.

Registration only costs $32 per person for the 5K and includes a t-shirt; $20 for the 1 Mile Fun Run with a t-shirt; and $10 for the Fun Run without the t-shirt (Prices go up the week of the race and on race day). Start/Finish line for the race is located at 121 E. Sheridan Place (East School Park), Lake Bluff, Illinois, 60044.

Sign up early to save big! To register, go to www.lakebluffpumpkinchase.org or contact Rich Martin at rich@lakebluffpumpkinchase.org. Online registration continues until midnight October 15, 2015. Late registration takes place on Friday, October 16th at the Lake Bluff Middle School Gym 5:00-8:00p.m and Procrastination Race Day Registration takes place Saturday October 17th 6:45 am to race time.

We’d like to thank our fantastic race sponsors, including: Illinois Bone & Joint, August Jackson, Marvin Design Gallery by Estates Windows, LTD., , Orange Theory Fitness, Prairie Coffee, Goebler Construction, Knauz Motors, Sexton Development, Lake Bluff Park District, Pasquesi Home & Garden, PW Kaiser Insurance, Sidney’s Services, West’s Insurance, Learning League, Diamond Mortgage, State Farm, Streighiff & Associates, Fitness Together, North Shore University Health System, The Other Door, Wisma, Inovasi, among many more.