Runaway Pumpkin 5K & Family Fest

Event Overview

Get ready to lace up and bring spirit to the starting line of the Runaway Pumpkin 5K & Family Fest—a vibrant mix of community connection, fun costumes, and meaningful impact. Benefitting the Child Protection Center (CPC), this event takes place at CPC’s Campus of Healing in North Port and supports the vital mission of protecting children and strengthening families.

Participation Details

• Join us: for the race, the family festival, or both!
• Who can participate: Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a brisk walker, or looking for family fun.
• Kids’ dash: Don’t forget about the children's dash for little ones!
• Community spirit: This event welcomes everyone and encourages community fun.

Family Fest Activities

At 9 a.m., the Family Fest kicks off with an array of activities:

• Food trucks: Variety of food options available.
• Trick-or-treating: A fun Halloween tradition!
• Activities: Pumpkin painting, a bounce house, and a puppy pit with PAWS therapy dogs.
• Community vendors: Local partners with booths and kid-centric fun!

Kids' Costume Contest

• 0 to 2 years: 11 AM
• 3 to 5 years: 11:15 AM
• 6 to 8 years: 11:30 AM
• 9 to 12 years: 11:45 AM

Charitable Impact

Proceeds from the race and festivities help the CPC deliver trauma-informed care, forensic services, and child-safe advocacy for families in Sarasota County. We’re also welcoming donations of non-perishable food items at the event, which will be distributed to local families facing food insecurity this upcoming holiday season.

Join Us

Whether you’re racing the pumpkins, chasing a personal best, or simply gathering with friends and family for a meaningful morning, join us and let your stride contribute to support, healing, and joy. See you at the finish line! 🎃

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available at bit.ly/runaway-pumpkin-sponsorships

Costume Guidelines

For both the 5K and the Family Fest, participants are welcome to wear costumes if they choose. All costumes must be child friendly. Weapon props and face coverings will not be permitted- children participating in the costume contest may wear face coverings during their age group’s contest only. We will not permit clothing with objectionable material (including obscene or violent themes, graphics, or language), excessively torn clothing, or clothing that exposes excessive portions of skin that may be viewed as inappropriate in a child-friendly environment.