The first annual Chatham-Kent Pumpkin Run takes to the trails at Rondeau Provincial Park on Oct. 6, just in time for fall colours.
Hosted by the Foundation of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, the family fundraising event features a 5K walk/run, 10K run and a 100 metre Lil Pumpkin kids dash. Funds raised will support CKHA’s most urgent capital equipment needs in Chatham and Wallaceburg.
Participants can enter as individuals or as a team, and registration is $60 for adults, $10 for youth (eight to 12 years) and $5 for the Lil Pumpkin kids dash (two to seven years). The deadline for registration on-line is Oct. 3 but anyone wanting to participate can also register the day of the event at 8 a.m. The fee includes entrance to Rondeau and parking for the day.
After registration, the kids’ 100 metre dash starts at 9 a.m., the 10K run starts at 9:30 a.m., 5K at 9:45 a.m. and the food and awards ceremony starts at 11 a.m.
Chip timing will be provided by Chip Time Results and for those needing a ride to Rondeau the day of the event, a bus will be available for registrants and confirmed volunteers, free of charge. The bus leaves CKHA’s Chatham campus at 7:30 a.m. and will return about 12:30 p.m. To reserve your seat, call the Foundation office at 519-436-2538 by Oct. 1 at 4 p.m.
Prizes will be awarded to the top three people in each age group, men and women, as well as the top fundraiser, who will receive a Samsung Galaxy Tab II Wi-Fi (8GB 7.0). People who bring in more than $100 in pledges will have their entry fee refunded and will be entered into a draw to win a Kobo Mini eReader, a 2014 season pass to any provincial park (two available) or a 2014 summer pass for Rondeau.
To register or to volunteer to help with the event, please visit www.foundationckha.com, register in person at the Foundation office at 9 Ursuline Ave., 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or call 519-436-2538.