Runaway Pumpkin 5K & Family Fest 2026

Description

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.

Join us for the race, the family festival, or both! Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a brisk walker, have a little one who wants to join the children's dash, or are coming for the Family Fest, this event welcomes everyone and encourages community fun.

At 9 a.m., the Family Fest kicks off with food trucks, trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting, a bounce house, a puppy pit with PAWS therapy dogs, a kids' costume contest, community partners and vendors, and tons of kid-centric fun! It’s a celebratory circle of community, compassion, and athletic spirit. The Family Fest is open to all with free admission. You do not need to participate in the Runaway Pumpkin 5K or the kids' Mini Monster Dash earlier in the morning to gain entry- though we do encourage all runners to join in the festivities and refuel once they cross the finish line!

Kids’ costume contest:

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

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.

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 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.