Durham, NC - Jennifer Wilson runs competitively, from 5K races up to a half marathon. But last year, she was looking for something different.

Instead of the intense competitiveness of a big race, she signed up for Duke's Pumpkin Fun Run, an annual, family-friendly 5K event at the Al Buehler Cross Country Trail off of West Campus. The race raises money for Duke's Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation program and is organized through LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke's employee wellness program.

"There was such a nice feeling of camaraderie because everyone was coming out to run for a great cause," said Wilson, a clinical trials assistant in the Duke Medical Center. "I had a lot of fun because everyone there is so supportive, friendly and encouraging to all the people running or walking."

This year's Pumpkin Fun Run is at 10 a.m. Oct. 13. Participation is free, but a voluntary donation of $2 goes to the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation program. Donations will also be collected at the event. Runners or walkers will receive a free nylon drawstring backpack - registration is available online now.

Last year, about 150 Duke employees, their families and community members raised slightly more than $500 from the Pumpkin Fun Run for the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation program. The program provides care and support to children suffering from cancer, genetic defects or blood disorders.

Supporting the cause is one reason why Elaine Ray plans to take part in the Pumpkin Fun Run for the second straight year. Ray said that LIVE FOR LIFE has helped her stay healthy - whether through the Run/Walk Club or free HealthCheck.

Last fall, she shared her Pumpkin Run experience with her son, Wes, and his Chihuahua, Blue. Because of a cold morning for last year's race, walking the Al Buehler Trail was too hard for Blue, who hitched a ride in a carrier with Wes. Elaine Ray said it was a hit with kids who attended the event.

"At first Blue had his walking shoes on, but it was too damp," Ray said. "It was so much fun for everyone to see Blue carried around. It's just a great atmosphere for socializing and connecting with the Duke community."

Here's a schedule of events for the day of the race:

• 9 a.m. - Race-day registration (participants receive a nylon drawstring backpack)
• 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