THE GREAT PUMPKIN 'REBOOT'

PLEASE WATCH THIS SITE - for any changes due to state mandates. 

Thanks to the support and cooperation of the Trumbull Schools and Town Departments we are able to present a modified and safe "30th Anniversary Celebration" of the Great Pumpkin Classic 5k.

Since 1991 this event has contributed well over $300,000 to the Trumbull High School Scholarship Foundation. We are grateful and honored to be able to bring this historic event back and help deserving Seniors at THS.

Our goals include raising at least $2000 additional to the proceeds of the virtual Great Pumpkin Classic 5k and creating a new scholarship in memory of two committee members Helen Gratrix and Helen Kurilec. Our friends have passed but they have left a legacy through the roles they played for over twenty years in the success of the Great Pumpkin Classic.

In addition, funds raised above our goals will be donated to the Trumbull Veterans & First Responders Center Building.

COVID CONCERNS- Thanks to the Trumbull Board of Ed, the Board of Health, the Trumbull Police & EMS we will be able to present a completely outdoor event. No building will be used, safe distances and safety protocols will be in place, and State guidelines will be met.

HOWEVER-we all must be prepared for any change that can happen at any time which may mean a suspension of this live event, and result in a 'virtual' run. 

With fixed costs and pre-payment of many items, this means we CANNOT under any conditions REFUND any registration fees. Whether we are live or virtual our commitment to our students will be maintained. We hope you can support this commitment and join us.

IMPORTANT DETAIL- There will be a 150 person limit for this 5k event. We need 120 people just to break even with our fixed costs! We encourage everyone to donate any additional amount to the THS Scholarship Foundation- this donation is fully tax-deductible. 

MASKS REQUIRED- We must adhere to all safety protocols so please help us by keeping masks on prior to the start line and immediately after you finish. And of course, keep a safe distance when you arrive, warm-up, chat with friends, and after you are done.

MODIFICATIONS FOR A SAFE START- We will be using a chip-timed, "open start" format which has been successfully used in various races around the state. A maximum of five people at the start line leaving at 10-15 second intervals means that a field of 150 can safely clear the start in ten minutes or less.

WE NEED YOUR HELP FOR A SAFE START- If you are truly at a speedier running level (6-7min pace per mile or under) we urge you to be at the start early and ready to go at 9 am. This will avoid crowding on the course and help everyone to run more safely. Thanks!

ON THE COURSE- We ask you to stay safe, announce if you are passing from behind, and not to run in groups.

REGISTRATION INFO- $30 ages 19-99,  $25 ages 18 & under from Nov 1 - Nov 14 (or if sold out prior).

All registration is online only and there are NO additional CC fees.

There is no in-person/paper reg. on Nov. 15

If not sold out fees increase to $35/$30 from 9 pm Sat. Nov 14 till 8:30am Nov 15 - done online only.                               

SWAG & STUFF- 30TH ANNIVERSARY MUG (one size fits all) and more to be determined to commemorate history! Thanks to Miggs Burroughs for recreating the design from my favorite shirt in 1995. 

COURSE- Back to the future! 

https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/m/?r=7539973  (Thanks to Jim Gerweck it is measured to 3.11mi)

This 'New' course is actually a throwback. Over 75% of it is from the original 1991 course which 349 people ran in our first year! It has some changes (at the suggestion of the TPD) and it does bring back the famous "Laurie Rd hill" that will challenge you in the last mile. But don't worry, the last 6/10 mi is downhill and flat!

NOTE- due to covid safety mandates there cannot be any water stop on the course with open water cups. Please be prepared to pre-hydrate and carry your own fluids and NOT drop anything along the neighborhood! 

FOOD & FLUIDS- Following state guidelines we will be able to give you TABLE TALK PIES, pre-packaged food, candy, and sealed bottles of water. Our wonderful gloved & masked volunteers will hand them to you individually.

AWARDS- We are not anticipating awards this year due to the open nature of the start. This could change but we have employed this decision at other races to avoid a post-race gathering.

DONATIONS- All amounts are encouraged and welcome!

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/THSScholarshipFound?locale.x=en_US  This donation link leads directly to the THS Scholarship Foundation. If you can't join us but want to help our seniors we truly appreciate your kindness.

LOCATION DETAILS- Parking at Hillcrest Middle School (the best if you want to get out fast!), the back lot of Trumbull High, and the side lot of Trumbull High. The driveway between THS & Hillcrest will be closed at 8:45 am for the safety of our new course. Police will be on duty at the lot and at key intersections on the course.

HISTORY- The temperature was in the low 60's, warm for a late Fall run. It started at 10 am on Sunday, Oct 27, 1991, with Biology Teacher (now retired) Marty Schaivone yelling "GO!". The inaugural 5k run had 354 finishers- a very high number for a new, local event. Pat Swift and Allison Suchenski (Trumbull High alum) were the inaugural champions.

Within a few years, it became one of the top races in CT reaching a high of over 800 registrations in the late '90s. Featured runners included the iconic Bill Rogers, top American Laura Mykotok, Olympians, and champions from six different countries! Residents from nearly all 169 towns in CT have finished in our event. It also played host to an amazing Pasta Party the night before for over 20 years.

THANK YOU ALL- As we celebrate our 30th year we thank our past and current school administrators, faculty, students, neighbors, and friends who have contributed immeasurably. The countless committee members and most recently the Trumbull Business Council who have helped keep the GPC alive and fun. We thank YOU for joining us on any level whether live, virtual, or as a donor. Our students will benefit from your commitment.

RACE FOUNDER & DIRECTOR- Marty Schaivone (THS faculty 1977-2012)

SPONSORS NEEDED- Please contact Marty directly- msrunningproductions@yahoo.com

With over $4500 of fixed costs (police, computer timing, swag, porto-pots, food/water, etc., ANY AMOUNT will help defray the costs and increase our donation to our student scholarships.