Welcome to the Sycamore Pumpkin Run website!
The 39th Annual Pumpkin Run, is held on Sunday, October 29th, is a 10,000 meter USATF– sanctioned and certified road race, we draw almost 1,800 registered racers from all over Northern Illinois and beyond. Starting gun goes off at 9:05 a.m. sharp!
The Pumpkin Run was named a Best of Chicagoland Race by Chicago Area Runners Association a couple of years ago. The race is also sanctioned by USA Track and Field and the course is USATF certified. Proceeds from the Sycamore Pumpkin Run help maintain our historic downtown, create opportunities to help small businesses succeed and develop area tourism through community events.
This year the race will use ChronoTrack timing by Lakeshore Athletic Services. Results will be provided to all runners immediately following the race. Age divisions are: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79 and 80 and over.
Runners of all ages and abilities join together at the park just east of the National Guard Armory on Route 64. The route starts at the corner of Kishwaukee Drive and heads west on Route 64 past the beautiful historic 100 year old DeKalb County Courthouse. Runners will continue through the quaint downtown Sycamore business district and then south on historic, Somonauk Street. Runners will enjoy a kaleidoscope of autumn colors through the Somonauk archway of trees.
Once crossing the finish line racers are welcomed by wonderful volunteers who have prepared post-race refreshments, which are located in the National Guard Armory. Racers 21 and over are treated to delicious Oktoberfest beer.
For me it’s a combination of the fall colors, great course and course workers, energetic atmosphere from the 1500+ racers but still having that small town homey feel to it. Also – can’t forget about those awesome costumes!
The Sycamore Pumpkin Run is the only place I can race against superman,captain America and a man in a wedding dress and have a chance to finish before them all.
We love talking to participants at the finish line and helping them feel better by foam rolling sore and tight muscles!
