About the Race
After years of enthusiasm and support for our annual June 5K, we are excited to introduce a new race with a twist! The Jack-O-Lantern 5K, which is more than just a race, it's a costume run! A chance to celebrate the fall season, show off your creativity, and have a little extra fun along the course.
Participants are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the event by wearing fun, imaginative, or delightfully spooky costumes. Whether you are a DIY genius or more the “grab it off the rack” type, all costumes are welcome (but entirely optional)!
Whether you're running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, racing for a personal best or simply enjoying the atmosphere, come ready to enjoy an afternoon filled with energy, laughter, and seasonal celebration!
WHERE
Lake Marion Community Center, 8821 East Village Avenue, Montgomery Village, MD 20886
WHEN
Saturday, October 10, 2026
The Kids' Fun Run starts at 2:30 PM followed by the 5K at 3:00 PM
THE COURSE
For a preview of the race course, please click here. Note that this race is on park path trails, tunnels and county sidewalks.
PACKET PICKUP
Packet pickup and late registration will occur on race morning only, in the Lake Marion Community Center parking lot, from 1:30 - 2:15 PM.
PREMIUMS
Custom medals will be awarded to all participants! Official race t-shirts to the first 150 registrants (so don't delay!). The shirts will be available on race day at packet pickup. Please note that sizes are not guaranteed.
JACK-L-LANTERN 1 MILE FUN RUN
The 1-mile fun run will start at 2:30 PM, before the 5K. The fun run will not be chip timed, but a clock will be set at the finish line. All participants will receive custom medals as they cross the finish line! Top finisher ribbon sliders will be awarded to the top three male and the female finishers during award ceremony
5K RACE
This race will be chip timed and results (both gun and net) will be posted on www.mcrrc.org within 24 hours of the race. Custom Medals will be awarded to all participants as they cross the finish line. Top finisher ribbon slider will be awarded to the top 3 males and females in each of
the following age groups: 18 & under, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+. Open awards will be calculated by gun time, and age group awards calculated by net time. There may be no duplication of awards.
COSTUME AWARDS
Costume ribbon sliders will be given during ceremony after the race in following categories:
- How did you run in that?
- Most aerodynamic
- I regretted this costume after Mile 1
- Most Boo-tiful
- I can’t believe that stayed on
- Best hand carved
- Most mysterious
- Jack of All Lanterns
- Pick of the Patch
REFRESHMENTS
There will be one water stop on the course as well as refreshments at the finish line.
NO CAN DO
The following is prohibited for all participants, including the Fun Run: strollers, baby joggers, skates, pets, and headsets. Also, please make sure your costume is “family appropriate”. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!
SAFETY
We want you to enjoy the festivities, but you are at a greater risk of overheating with layers.Please keep that in mind when selecting or creating your costume.
