Ready, Set, Run! 2014 Pumpkin Chase Set for October 18!

Early on the morning of Saturday, October 18, 2014, as the sun begins to rise over Lake Bluff, adults and children, amateur runners and professionals, will gather for the 27th 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.

The Pumpkin Chase is a perennial favorite among local runners because it’s an easy course through the tree-lined streets of east Lake Bluff and past the bluff overlooking the shores of Lake Michigan.

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. More than 800 participants are expected to run in this year’s races with a goal of raising over $20,000.

Thirteen-year Race Director Rich Martin said the Pumpkin Chase is “all about giving back to the community. This year, we’re taking it to the next level and really hoping to expand the race to runners of all calibers from beyond the borders of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. We have a great race and a great course to offer!”

The most anticipated feature this year is the race’s recently acquired USATF course certification and bib chip timing technology. The new certification aims to attract elite runners from around the North Shore and greater Chicagoland area – elite runners like 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.”

Registration only costs $30 per person for the 5K and a t-shirt; $18 for the 1 Mile Fun Run with a t-shirt; and $8 for the Fun Run without the t-shirt. Starting line for the race is located at 121 E. Sheridan Place, Lake Bluff, Illinois, 60044.

To register, go to www.lakebluffpumpkinchase.org or contact Rich Martin at rich@lakebluffpumpkinchase.org. Online registration continues until October 16, 2014. Late registration takes place on Friday, October 17th at the Lake Bluff Middle School Gym 5:00-8:00p.m.

We’d like to thank our fantastic race sponsors, including August Jackson, Marvin Design Gallery by Estates Windows, LTD., Lake Forest Pediatric Dentistry, Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, Fitness Together, Lynch Construction, Illinois Bone & Joint, Rosalind Franklin University, Uline, LF Health & Fitness, Knauz Motors, Goebler Construction, North Shore University HealthSystem, The Other Door, Wisma, Inovasi, among many more.