Jack-O-Lantern 5K & 10K

Jack-O-Lantern 5K & 10K Race Description

For 2026, Jack-O-Lantern 5K & 10K will be celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America. This theme will carry throughout the race event.

Race Details

• Location: The races will be along the scenic Upper Bucks Rail Trail in the Quakertown area.
• Organizer: The Knights of Columbus – Quakertown and Richland Township Fire & Rescue present this year’s race.
• Proceeds: Proceeds will be directed to the Richland Township Fire & Rescue to help with the cost of 1 set of turn out gear. One complete set can cost up to $15,000.
• Start Time: We will start the 5K and 10K races at 8 am.

Pacing & Timing

Pace times will be posted in the start area to help runners self-seed themselves, so we do not need a wave start. The event is chip timed. The start and finish lines will be on the Upper Bucks Rail Trail. Both races will head south towards Veterans Park.

Student Pricing

• Young Athletes: 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.
• Discounts: Anyone age 10 to 19 will pay half price the regular adult cost.
• Free Entry: Anyone 9 years old will be free! They will receive only a shirt and are not eligible for the Pumpkin Challenge for their safety.
• Ages Split: We will split up the under 19 Age Group into 10 to 19 and Under 10.

Pumpkin Challenge

If you are looking to take home a pumpkin and an added prize, this may be the thing for you. You can add the pumpkin challenge to your race registration fee by participating in the challenge, where 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. 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 group.

Entry Fees

• Before Labor Day: June 1st to Sept 1st - Entry fee is $35 (20 and older) / $17.50 (10 to 19) / $0 (<10).
• Late Registration: Sept 7th to Sept 25th - Entry fee is $40 (20 and older) / $20 (10 to 19) / $0 (<10).
• Race Day: Sept 26th - Entry fee is $45 (20 and older) / $22.50 (10 to 19) / $0 (<10).
• Pumpkin Challenge Fee: You can add on the Pumpkin Challenge for an additional $7 to either distance.

Amenities

• Shirts: Everyone will receive a shirt. All participants Age 10 and over who sign up by Sept 7th will receive a Red, White & Blue moisture wicking short sleeve shirt.
• Under 10 Shirts: Under 10 will receive a cotton shirt.
• Availability: Those registering after Sept 7th will be offered shirts in the sizes that are available at packet pickup.
• Finisher Prizes: Pumpkin Challengers are the only ones who receive a Finisher prize.

Course Information

The courses will be on the packed gravel Upper Bucks Rail Trail and will also go through the paved Richland Twp Veterans Park for both the 5K and 10K. 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.

Location and Packet Pickup

The race will start and finish on the Upper Bucks Rail Trail, just across the parking lot from the Richland Township Fire & Rescue building at 64 Shelly Rd, Quakertown, PA 18951. Packet pick up will be available on Friday (9/25) from 5:00 to 7:00 pm and Saturday from 6:30 to 7:50 am at the Richland Twp Fire & Rescue building.

Race Guidelines

• Strollers: Strollers are welcomed.
• Pets: No animals are allowed on the course for the safety of the runners.

Race Results

The 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.

Contact Information

Questions: For inquiries, please contact Chris Plominski, Race Director at JOLRaceDirector@gmail.com.

More Information

Visit the race page for additional details: Jack-O-Lantern 5K & 10K.