For 2024, Jack-O-Lantern 5K & 10K will be celebrating its 6th year. We return to the Upper Bucks Rail Trail in the Quakertown area. The Pumpkin Challenge was a huge success last year, it is back for another year. The student options to make the races more family friendly event are back as well. The Knights of Columbus – Quakertown and Richland Township Fire & Rescue present this year’s race. Proceeds will mainly help fund the new Richland Township Fire & Rescue truck to be delivered this summer.
*NEW Start Time*:           To help with the congestion of runners at the turnarounds, the 5K race will now start at 8 am and the 10K will start at 8:10 am. We may have a wave start for each event to further spread out the runners. We are still looking at which direction the races will go along the Upper Bucks Rail Trail. 
Student Pricing:           We know races can be expensive, that is why we are going to continue reducing or eliminating fees for those 19 years old and younger. We will continue to split up the under 19 Age Group into 10 to 19 and Under 10.  Anyone age 10 to 19 will pay half price the regular adult cost. The Pumpkin Challenge can still be added on at the $6 additional cost. Anyone 9 years old will be free! Yes, free for both the 5K and 10K. They will receive a kids sized shirt, and are not eligible for the Pumpkin Challenge. 
Pumpkin Challenge:           If you are looking to take home a pumpkin and an additional medal, this may be the thing for you. You can add the pumpkin challenge to your race registration fee. By participating in the challenge, you will get to pick your choice of pumpkin weighing between 2 to 5 lb. from our patch. You will need to carry the pumpkin the entire race and bring it back in 1 piece. If successful, you get to keep your pumpkin and receive a Pumpkin Challenge medal. No carrying devices allowed (infant carriers, etc.). Runners under the age of 9 are unable to participate in this challenge.
Awards:                Each of the Races will have Overall and Age Groups, Top overall female and male, Top Master female and male, Top 3 in each age groups.
Entry:            June 1st to Sept 2nd (Labor Day) – Entry fee is $30 (20 and older on race day) / $15 (10 to 19 on race day), $0 ( <10 on race day)  *** Shirts Are Only Guaranteed To Those Who Sign Up Before Sept 3rd*** Sept 3rd to Sept 27 - Entry fee is $35 (20 and older on race day) / $17.50(10 to 19 on race day), $0 ( <10 on race day) Sept 28 - Race Day - Entry fee is $40 (20 and older on race day) / $20 (10 to 19 on race day), $0 ( <10 on race day)   You can also add on the Pumpkin Challenge for an additional $6 to either distance.            Amenities:            As part of your entry fee, we are going back to a short sleeve moisture wicking black shirt for those who sign up by 9/3. You will also receive a goodie bag. The course will be on the packed gravel Upper Bucks Rail Trail for the 5K. The 10K will also go through the paved Richland Twp Veterans Park. Indoor restrooms will be available. We will also have Port-O-Potties to reduce the restroom lines. Free post race food from local establishments will be available.   Notes:The race will start and finish on Shelly Rd right out side the Richland Township Fire & Rescue building. 64 Shelly Rd, Quakertown, PA 18951. NEW - Packet pick up will be on Friday (9/27) from 5:00 to 7:00 pm and Saturday from 6:45 to 7:50 am at the Richland Twp Fire & Rescue building. - Strollers are welcomed. No animals are allowed on the course. Race Results:        Race will be professionally timed by the Bryn Mawr Racing Co.; Results will be found at http://www.brynmawrracing.com Updates and Photos:        You can find all the race updates at JOL's Facebook page: Jack-O-Lantern 5K 10K. Post race photos will also be posted here, for free downloads. Questions:            Contact: Chris Plominski Race Director at [email protected]