Prepare for the 21st Annual Great Pumpkin Chase, featuring 10K, 5K, and Kids K races! Hundreds will gather to race through the scenic Albuquerque Country Club Neighborhood on a flat and swift course. Whether you're racing in costume or joining Linus and friends for a good time, this event is ideal. Don't miss the Pumpkin Dash Kids K and Inflatable Costume Mad Dash (New)! Enjoy fantastic shirts, age group categories, top finisher awards, and the Best Costume contest. Sign up now to be part of the excitement!

REGISTRATION INCLUDES:
A race logo shirt
Finishers medal
The finish table is well-stocked, and water and Powerade stations are along the course.
Professional timing using a disposable bib tag.
Free photo downloads after the event.

GREAT PUMPKIN CHASE

EVENT INFORMATION

EVENT LOCATION

Rio Grande Park (Formerly Kit Carson Park)

1744 Kit Carson SW

Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104

EVENT SCHEDULE

Saturday, October 26, 2024

10K: 9:00 a.m. 

5K: 9:05 a.m. 

Kids K: 10:15 a.m.

Inflatable Costume Mad Dash (untimed Fun Run): 10:30 a.m.

RUNNER PACKET PICKUP AND LATE REGISTRATION

10K, 5K, and Kid Events 

Friday, October 25, 2024

Time: 3:00-6:00 p.m.

FLEET FEET SPORTS 

North Towne Plaza

5901 Wyoming Suite R 

Albuquerque NM 87109

PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS RACE-DAY REGISTRATION; HOWEVER, ALL PRE-REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PICK UP THEIR EVENT PACKETS AT PACKET PICKUP. If you are not able to pick up your packet in person, you must plan for a representative to do so. Any out-of-town participants may pick up their packet on race morning at the registration area at Kit Carson Park between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m.

ALL PARTICIPANTS WHO WOULD LIKE TO BE ENTERED IN THE RESULTS AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR AWARDS MUST WEAR A TIMING CHIP/BIB. PLEASE DO NOT ALTER THE BIB IN ANY WAY. BIB MUST BE VISIBLE AND WORN ON THE FRONT – OUTSIDE -- OF A PERSON’S CLOTHING AT ALL TIMES THROUGHOUT THE EVENT. BIBS ARE NON-TRANSFERABLE AND MUST BE WORN BY THE PARTICIPANT TO WHOM IT IS ASSIGNED. 

VIRTUAL RUN OR WALK

PLEASE NOTE: All registered participants may pick up their event packet, Event Bib, and T-Shirt at the time and location listed above, “Packet Pickup.” For those who purchased the “shipping” (only available to Virtual Run/Walk participants), your race swag will be mailed out beginning October 21, 2024, and continue as registrations come in.

For additional event information, please go to our RunFit website: www.irunfit.org.

If you choose to have your packet mailed to you. Please enter your mailing address and add the shipping charge when registering for the event.

Please note: If you want your packet mailed, please add “SHIPPING” before registering. All other packets will be available for Packet Pickup.

Follow these three easy steps to run/walk your 10K or 5K!

Note: Kids K is a non-timed event.

* Step 1:
Walk or run ANYTIME between October 19 and 27, 2024, and record your race time using Strava, Garmin, MapMyRun, MapPedometer.com, or a simple stopwatch.

* Step 2:
Email your race completion time to stephenpino@hotmail.com
* Include first and last name, run date, event (10K or 5K), city and state, and race completion time in the body of the email. Note: Subject line: Great Pumpkin Chase 10K or 5K Virtual Run Result Information
* Run/walk times must be submitted by 11:59 pm (mtn.) on October 28, 2024.

* Step 3:
Submit a selfie on the RunFit Facebook:
* Post on https://www.facebook.com/Runfitabq/

* Submit a selfie after your run/walk or a pic of the location you ran/walked!
* When providing a photo or selfie, you allow RunFit to share your pic on the RunFit website and other event social media. (The pic you provide will not be used for sales or marketing purposes without written permission.)

Please note: Steps 2 and 3 are optional.

PARKING

PLEASE USE DESIGNATED PARKING AREAS ONLY. DO NOT PARK ON KIT CARSON DRIVE OR ANYWHERE ON THE COURSE AS IDENTIFIED BY THE TRAFFIC CONES AND EVENT SIGNAGE. WE ASK THAT YOU RESPECT THE NEIGHBORHOOD BY NOT BLOCKING DRIVEWAYS. 

PORTABLE TOILETS

Portable toilets are located near the start/finish on the east side of Rio Grande Park. Please allow plenty of time to use the restroom.

START INFORMATION

All events start near finish immediately north of Rio Grande Park on Kit Carson Drive. 
All races will start promptly at the designated times listed above. Allow plenty of time to get to the Start in order to seed yourself according to your projected pace time. If you are driving to the race plan to arrive early. See parking information above. This race is a Gun Start with a Timing Chip finish. The "official time" will start when the gun/horn goes off. 

Race (Bib) Number Requirements:

Each participant will receive a Race (Bib) number that must be worn on race day. DO NOT alter your race number in any way. Your bib number must be visible and worn on the front outside of all clothing during the entire race to be clearly seen. Bib numbers are non-transferable and MUST be worn by the runner to whom they are assigned.

MEDICAL SUPPORT

Medical staff members will be ready to assist you at any time. Radio communications personnel will be positioned at every aid/water station along the course.
The event officials have the right to withdraw any runner from the race who appears distressed or at risk. If you have a health or medical problem at the Finish Line, please notify event officials or volunteers. Please cooperate if you are asked to go for a checkup. If you need help at any point, please ask for it! If you cannot finish the race, please notify a race official of your bib number so that the medical personnel know.

Can I run with an iPod/headphones?
Yes. USATF, the sport's national governing body, recently amended its headphones, iPods, and similar devices ban. However, athletes competing for prizes cannot use electronic devices such as headphones and earpieces.

Can I run with my GPS device?
Yes, participants may wear their GPS watches or devices. However, these items do not count as “second timing devices" and will not be recognized by the event as official times or distances.

What is NOT allowed on the course?
The use of music devices is permitted during the race. The use of cell phones, video devices, cameras or similar devices by participants while in the Event is discouraged, and Event officials reserve the right to disqualify any participant using such devices who pose a safety hazard on the course. The use of wheeled devices by participants or any other person authorized to be on the course shall be strictly limited to: (a) authorized course marshals on bicycles. Skateboards, rollerblades, unauthorized bicycles, or any unauthorized wheeled device will not be permitted.

Note:

Strollers and wheelchairs will also be permitted. Strollers/Baby Joggers must start at the back of runners/walkers. Due to our traffic control permit, ALL participants must be able to complete the course at 1:45:00 (Hour and Thirty-Five Minutes). Strollers are not permitted during the Inflatable Costume Mad Dash.

Do you have a Lost & Found in case I lose something at the Event or on the racecourse?
Yes. We will have a Lost & Found for lost and found items on race day. If you are missing a personal item, please call 505.217-4774.

I am injured and/or cannot run the event (family commitment, work obligation, etc.). Can I get a refund, donate my entry, or transfer my entry to someone else?
No. Sale and/or transfer of race entry/bib are strictly prohibited and will result in disqualifying and/or banning any individuals involved from future events. All entry fees are non-refundable and cannot be deferred toward a future event.

If I provide medical documentation of my injury or pregnancy, will you give me a refund?
No. Please refer to our official event rules and guidelines.

Can I defer my entry to the next year if I cannot run this year?
Participants cannot defer their entries to the next year if they cannot run.

Can I run with a stroller during the Inflatable Costume Mad Dash? 

No. Running strollers are not permitted during the Inflatable Costume Mad Dash.

Can a friend pick up my packet if I cannot attend Packet Pickup?
Yes. Your friend can pick up your packet for you. 

EVENT DAY

All participants are expected to conduct themselves professionally and courteously towards the community and their fellow participants during the Event. This means, for example, alcohol consumption, urinating or defecating in public except in designated toilet facilities, and participant obstruction anywhere on or near the course shall be strictly prohibited unless facilitated by the Event. Anyone violating this rule of conduct shall be disqualified from the Event and asked to leave the course.

Participants must follow instructions from all Event officials, including race staff, volunteers, medical personnel, fire and police officials, security officers, and city officials, throughout the duration of the Event.
Event attendees must adhere to city, state, and other public health guidelines and orders. Event attendees who are sick should not attend the Event. This includes Event Attendees who:
Have a suspected or diagnosed/confirmed infectious illness
Are exhibiting symptoms of infectious illness such as cough, fever, chills, muscle pain, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or sore throat
Have had exposure to a suspected or confirmed infectious illness within 10 days of performing contracted onsite event site work
COURSE MONITORING

Any participant who refuses to obey the directions of Event officials, including fire and police officials, city officials, or course marshals, conducts themselves in an unsportsmanlike manner, or is offensive by action or language to officials, volunteers, participants, or spectators may be disqualified by the Event and from future participation at the discretion of race officials.
No participant shall be allowed to rejoin the race after leaving the course to gain a place, pace, or assist another participant.
Any participant found by a course marshal, Event official, or surveillance equipment to have gained an unfair advantage by intentionally shortening the race route (“cutting the course”) shall be immediately disqualified from the Event and future participation at the discretion of Event officials.
A participant who has received any assistance from another person may be disqualified from the Event. “Assistance” includes, without limitation, conveying advice, information, or direct or indirect help to a participant by any means, including technical communication devices. It also includes pacing by persons not officially participating in the Event. It does not include the participation of designated formal Guide Runners, officially designated Support Runners, or contracted pacesetters in the race, provided such pacesetters start in the Event.
Any person who participates in the Event without a current official Event bib number or timing device officially assigned to them is subject to removal and disqualification from future Events.
No one is authorized to be on the course unless they are registered participants. Therefore, no one shall be allowed to accompany a participant if they are not registered in the Event, nor shall any participant be allowed, without the permission of the Event management, to receive assistance or refreshment from anyone during the progress of the Event. Any person not properly displaying an authorized and issued bib number shall be directed to leave the course.
A hands-on medical examination by officially designated medical personnel during the progress of an Event shall not be considered assistance and will not result in disqualification if the participant is deemed medically fit.

PARTICIPANT SAFETY
The use of wheeled devices by participants or any other person authorized to be on the course shall be strictly limited to (a) authorized and registered wheelchair participants and (b) authorized course marshals on bicycles. Strollers, skateboards, rollerblades, unauthorized bicycles or any other wheeled device will not be permitted on the course. Motorized devices of any kind are prohibited.
Participants are responsible for recognizing and understanding Event signage, symbols, and color codes relating to participant maps, facilities, and directions.
Medical personnel authorized by the Event to do so may examine any participant who appears in distress. If, in the sole opinion of authorized medical personnel, it is in the best interest of the participant’s health and welfare, medical personnel may remove the participant from the Event.
Participants must immediately retire from the race if ordered to do so by a member of the Event’s official staff, official medical staff, or any governmental authority, including fire and police officials.
Participants are responsible for and assume liability for any and all medical expenses incurred as a result of training for and/or participating in the Event, including, but not limited to, ambulance transport, hospital stays, physician and pharmaceutical goods and services.
Event officials reserve the right to delay, cancel, or suspend the race due to inclement weather or other conditions or governmental orders or directives in accordance with Emergency Protocol on severe emergencies and/or inclement weather.
Participants should familiarize themselves with the Event Alert System (EAS) and adjust their race plans accordingly.
 

RESULT TIMING
All participants are assigned an electronic timing device, which is attached to their bib before the Event.
Participants are responsible for appropriately using and applying their assigned timing device.
Participants must wear their assigned timing device, which is permanently attached to their bib number, continuously from start line to finish line to receive an accurate finish time.

TIMING DISQUALIFICATION
Participants found to be wearing two or more Event-issued electronic timing devices during the race will be disqualified, and their results will not be recorded.
Participants with missing or irregular split times at official electronic timing checkpoints may be disqualified.
All finish times are reviewed before times are deemed official. Participants will be allowed to appeal unofficial finish times before the finish times are made official. Appeals must be submitted within three (3) days of the event day.
Participants must begin the Event during the officially recognized start time to register for an official finish time.
 

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

Weather forecasts will be monitored before the event, paying particular attention to the possibility of heavy rain, thunder and lightning, high winds, and extreme temperatures. If necessary, athletes will be made aware of these predictions on the RunFit website: www.irunfit.org so that participants can properly prepare for severe weather during the race and possible course alterations. Severe weather updates will also be sent to participants via email as necessary. The Race Director will monitor the weather and decide if any action will be taken to modify the race. Possible changes include altering the start time for the race or, in extreme situations, canceling the event. Please listen closely to all public address announcements at the race's starting line. Visible lightning will cause the race to be postponed for a minimum of 15 minutes. Additional sightings will continue to delay the race in 15-minute increments. If extreme heat is predicted, the athletes will be provided extra water before, during, and after the event. The medical team will be alerted that athletes may require additional medical attention during and after the event due to the high temperatures.

FINISH INFORMATION

The overall and division award winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on race day – immediately following the Kids K.

10K:
Overall prizes will be awarded to the top three men and women determined by gun time.
Age group prizes will be given to the top three finishers in the following categories for men and women: 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-79, 80+. Award times will be determined by gun time.

5K:

Overall prizes will be awarded to the top three men and women determined by gun time.
Age group prizes will be given to the top three finishers in the following categories for men and women:  1-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-79, 80+. Award times will be determined by gun time.

Great Pumpkin Dash Kids K:

All registered participants (11 and under) are eligible to participate in the Kids K. Kids K will begin at 10:15 a.m.  All Kids K participants will start on Kit Carson Drive, immediately north of Rio Grande Park. The race director will notify all runners when it is time to line up. Note: Please do not line up before being notified. 

Inflatable Costume Mad Dash: 

Step into your favorite inflatable costume and wobble—we mean to make a mad dash to the finish line. All inflatable costume mad dash participants must register and sign a liability waiver. This is a free, fun run that will not be timed and is 100 yards long.

COSTUME CONTEST

Awards will be presented to the best costumes as voted on by the race director and the RunFit staff. Be original…and have FUN!

POST-RACE

Refreshments and Awards

REVIEW AND COURSE SUPPORT

Decide where your family and friends can cheer you on when you most need the support. 
There are fluid replacement stations: Water (5K & 10K) and Water & Powerade (10K).

COURSE:

Note: Cut and Paste Hyper-Link in Browser

5K & 10K: NM GREAT PUMPKIN CHASE 5K and 10K RUN - MapMyRun

Note: The 10K route is two loops of the 5K course. 10K participants are instructed NOT to cross the finish/timing zone on their first loop.

RESULTS

All results will be posted immediately at www.irunfit.org on Saturday, October 26, 2024.

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

Volunteers are still needed to help! Please get in touch with RunFit at (505) 217-4774 to volunteer for race day or email stephenpino@hotmail.com 

Thank-a-volunteer campaign!

The Great Pumpkin Chase is fortunate to have some of the friendliest and hardest-working volunteers. Volunteers help us on race day to ensure you feel welcomed, are fully informed, have a safe, successful, and positive running experience, and more! When you have a chance, give hearty, fun-loving thanks!

SPONSORS:

We would like to thank the following sponsors for their support: Fleet Feet Sports, New Balance Store, Heart and Sole Sports, ServPro, PNM, Infinity Fitness, IDEAL Hvac, NM Flooring Solutions, Great Harvest Bread, Por Vida Therapeutics and Flawless Results

RACE QUESTIONS AND INFORMATION:
RunFit
12104 Palm Springs Ave. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87111
(505) 217-4774 
Email: stephenpino@hotmail.com   RunFit Website: www.irunfit.org