It's the Great St. Gerald Giant Pumpkin 5K Run/Walk

The spirit of the Great Pumpkin will swoop upon St. Gerald Parish and School as busy parishioners get ready for the inaugural St. Gerald Giant Pumpkin 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, October 31, at 8 am.

The family-friendly event features a 5K Run/Walk, a Little Pumpkin Race for ages 10 and under, face painting, trick-or-treating, games and surprises.

The race will begin and end at the parish grounds located at 9310 S. 55th Court, Oak Lawn. Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome to attend the race which is being hosted to raise funds to benefit repairs and improvements to the church and school.

Participants will receive a race bib with Chronomix Computerized Timing (5K only), printed preliminary results, free race course photos (post race finishers portraits available for a fee) three water stations, gear check, First Aid area, goody bag and complimentary hot breakfast. Pre-paid participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt. The 5K is a Chronomix Computerized Timing race that runs through the neighborhood surrounding St. Gerald.

“We are excited for our first annual run/walk this year” said Debbie Janicke, development director at St. Gerald. “Children and adults are welcome to participate and encouraged to dress in costume.”

St. Gerald Mother’s Club and the Holy Name Society are also assisting with the 5K Run/Walk, so participants will be in good hands..

Awards will be given to the top three male and Female overall finishers and the top three male and female finishers in the following age groups:

• 15 yrs and under
• 15-19 yrs
• 20-29 yrs
• 30-39 yrs
• 40-49 yrs
• 50-59 yrs, and 60+.
• Participation awards will be given to all participants in the Little Pumpkin Run.

Early-bird registration through October 17 is $35 for 5K Run/Walk, $10 for Little Pumpkin Run (ages 10 and under). Families of three or more save 15 percent on the registration fee. After October 18 registration will be $40 for 5K Run/Walk and $15 for Little Pumpkin Run.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. To become an event sponsor, or for more information contact Debbie Janicke at development@stgerald.com

To register for the St. Gerald Giant Pumpkin 5K Run/Walk visit GiantPumpkin5K.com .

You can also follow the happenings of the St. Gerald Giant Pumpkin 5K Run/Walk on Facebook.