Jack-O-Lantern 5K & 10K

For 2026, Jack-O-Lantern 5K & 10K will be celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America. This theme will carry through out 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 new 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. 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 chipped timed. The start and finish lines will be on the Upper Bucks Rail Trail. Both races will head south towards Veterans Park. 

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. We will split up the under 19 Age Group into 10 to 19 and Under 10.  Anyone age 10 to 19 will pay half price the regular adult cost. The Pumpkin Challenge can still be added on at the $6 additional cost. Anyone 9 years old will be free! Yes, free for both the 5K and 10K. They will receive only a shirt and are not eligible for the Pumpkin Challenge for their safety. 

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, 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. If successful, you get to keep your pumpkin and receive a Pumpkin Challenge finisher prize. 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 groups.

Entry:            
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:  

Everyone will receive 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 will receive a cotton shirt. Those registering after Sept 7th, will be offered shirts in the sizes that are available at packet pickup.

Pumpkin Challengers are the only ones who receive a Finisher prize.

The course 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.  

Notes:
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 (9/26) 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 the runners.

Race Results:        
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.

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

Join fellow runners on September 26, 2026 for the Jack-O-Lantern 5K & 10K. It's a fantastic 5K, 10K featuring a flat and fast course in Quakertown.