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Registration Open For Pumpkin Fun Run
Laura Clark, left, runs the 2010 Pumpkin Fun Run with coworker Rachelle O'Connell. The 2011 5K race is Nov. 5. (Photo courtesy of Laura Clark)
Durham, NC - Last year, Laura Clark was looking for a way to kick-start a more active lifestyle when she noticed a poster for Duke's Pumpkin Fun Run, a 5K race open to runners of all ages and abilities.
After recruiting a colleague to participate with her, Clark completed her first-ever race in just under 39 minutes - and has been exercising ever since. She walks twice a day, takes the stairs instead of the elevator and has dropped 15 pounds in the past year.
"I should've known that the race was going to be good motivation because any race that uses the electric slide as a group warm-up can only be a good time," said Clark, a technical analyst at the Duke Eye Center. "Being a part of the race encouraged me to make physical activity part of my schedule."
Clark said because of the fun she had last year, she'll be back Nov. 5 when the Pumpkin Fun Run returns to raise money for Duke's Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation program. The race is organized through LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke's employee wellness program.
Along with Clark, employees and their families are invited to join the event, from recreational walkers to serious runners, or just those who want to have fun. The race begins at 10 a.m. at the Al Buehler Cross Country Trail (near the Washington Duke Inn) with same-day registration beginning at 9 a.m. Pre-registration is also available online.
Participation is free, but a voluntary donation of $2 per participant goes to the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation program, which provides care and support to children suffering from cancer, genetic defects or blood disorders. Donations will also be collected at the event. A free pair of orange socks will be given to the first 300 registrants along with prizes and raffles at the event.
Here's a schedule of events for the day of the race:
- 9 a.m. - Race-day registration (first 300 participants receive pumpkin fun run athletic socks)
- 10 a.m. - 2.9-mile run/walk
- 11 a.m. - Baby and toddler Pumpkin Dash
- 10 a.m. to noon - Entertainment, including a corn-hole toss, jump castle, face and pumpkin painting, line dance clinic, and roving magician Josh Lazoff
To learn about training programs to prepare for the 2.9-mile race, email katie.helms@dm.duke.edu or michelle.weavil@dm.duke.edu.
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Snapshots From Duke's 2010 Pumpkin Fun Run
Snapshots From Duke's 2010 Pumpkin Fun Run
The Pumpkin Fun Run returns for the 2011 race on Nov. 5. Hosted by LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke's employee wellness program, the family 5K run/walk raises money for Duke's Pediatric Blood and Bone Marrow Transplantation program. Participants can register prior to the 10 a.m. race or pre-register online.
More Information
For more information about the Pumpkin Fun Run, contact LIVE FOR LIFE at (919) 684-3136, option 1.
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