Jack-O-Lantern 5K & 10K

Event Overview

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.

The races will be along the scenic Upper Bucks Rail Trail in the Quakertown area. The Pumpkin Challenge was a huge success last year, and it is sure to sell out again. Be sure to check out the family friendly pricing. The Knights of Columbus – Quakertown and Richland Township Fire & Rescue present this year’s race. 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.

Race Details

• Start Time: We will start the 5K and 10K races at 8 am. Pace times will be posted in the start area to help runners self-seed themselves, so we do not need a wave start.
• Chipped Timed: The event is chipped timed. The start and finish lines will be on the Upper Bucks Rail Trail.
• Direction: Both races will head south towards Veterans Park.

Pricing

• Student Pricing: 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.
• Cost Breakdowns: Anyone age 10 to 19 will pay half price the regular adult cost, while anyone 9 years old will be free!
• Pumpkin Challenge: If you are looking to take home a pumpkin and an added prize, you can add the pumpkin challenge to your race registration fee.
• Challenge Rules: You will need to carry the pumpkin the entire race and bring it back in 1 piece to keep your pumpkin and receive a Pumpkin Challenge finisher prize.

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

June 1st to Sept 1st (Labor Day) - Entry fee is $35 (20 and older on race day) / $17.50 (10 to 19 on race day), $0 ( <10 on race day)

Sept 7th to Sept 25th - Entry fee is $40 (20 and older on race day) / $20 (10 to 19 on race day), $0 ( <10 on race day)

Sept 26th (Race Day) - Entry fee is $45 (20 and older on race day) / $22.50 (10 to 19 on race day), $0 ( <10 on race day)

You can also 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.
• Cotton Shirts: Under 10 will receive a cotton shirt. Those registering after Sept 7th, will be offered shirts in the sizes that are available at packet pickup.
• Finisher Prize: Pumpkin Challengers are the only ones who receive a Finisher prize.
• Course Details: 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.

Logistics

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.

- Strollers are welcomed. No animals are allowed on the course for the safety of the runners.

Results and Updates

Race will be professionally timed by the Bryn Mawr Racing Co.: Results will be found at http://www.brynmawrracing.com

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

Questions: Contact: Chris Plominski Race Director at JOLRaceDirector@gmail.com

More Information

For more details about the race, visit the official site: Jack-O-Lantern 5K & 10K Race.