The 36th edition of THE Great Pumpkin Classic

  • Date Sun 18th October 2026
  • Time 8:15AM EDT
  • Location TRUMBULL, Connecticut
  • Price $22.70 - $43.90
  • Races 5 races
  • Distances 5km

Event summary

Join us for the 36th edition of the Great Pumpkin Classic on Sunday, October 18, 2026, in Trumbull, Greater Bridgeport! This beloved community event, which started in 1991, has grown from its humble beginnings with just 349 participants to become a cherished local tradition that raises funds for the Trumbull High Scholarship Foundation. Runners and walkers of all abilities are invited to take part in the exciting 5K race, a computer chip-timed event spanning 3.1 miles, as well as a scenic 1.7-mile untimed walk perfect for those looking for a more relaxed experience.

The day promises to be filled with fun activities, delicious food, and a vibrant atmosphere, featuring Plasko's Farm cider donuts and JJ's Bakery pumpkin spice pies! Plus, every participant will have the chance to snag a stylish long-sleeve shirt, but be sure to register early to guarantee your size! With a history of giving back to the community, the Great Pumpkin Classic has donated over $340,000 in scholarships since its inception. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of a fantastic event that celebrates both health and community spirit!

Organiser's Description

_HELP CELEBRATE THE 36TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR OF THE GREAT PUMPKIN CLASSIC!_



STARTED IN 1991 BY OUR RACE DIRECTOR MARTY SCHAIVONE -

A BIOLOGY TEACHER AT THS (1977-2012)



IT'S DIFFICULT TO REMEMBER THAT FAR BACK - NONE OF US WERE THINKING HOW LONG THIS 5K WOULD LAST.

BUT 349 PEOPLE STARTED ON A JOURNEY THAT HAS CONTINUED TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE

TRUMBULL HIGH SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION FOR 35 YEARS.

MARTY HAS RETIRED, A LOT HAS CHANGED, BUT THE REPUTATION BUILT OVER 3+ DECADES IS SOLIDLY IN PLACE.



WE ARE PLANNING A PARTY AND WE HOPE YOU'LL BE PART OF IT.

OUR FOOD HAS ALWAYS BEEN A LARGE PART OF THE ATTRACTION.



BACK AGAIN- PLASKOS FARM CIDER DONUTS- OUR LOCAL FRIENDS ONE MILE AWAY!



NEWLY ADDED- JJ'S BAKERY PUMPKIN SPICE & OTHER FRUIT PIES!



MUFFINS, BANANAS, AND AMRITA PROTEIN BARS.

WE ORDERED 450 SHIRTS & SOLD OUT LAST YEAR SO DON'T WAIT.

SIGN UP FAST AND HAVE A CHANCE FOR OUR LONG SLEEVE BEAUTY!

GUARANTEED SIZING ENDS 10/7- AFTER THAT AS AVAILABLE

FABRIC AND COLORS MAY DEPEND ON INVENTORY, TARIFFS AND WHAT'S ON SALE.

OUR NEW 2026 PRESENTING SPONSORS



NEXT DIMENSIONS GYMNASTICS OF TRUMBULL

HTTPS://WWW.NEXTDIMENSIONGYMNASTICS.COM [https://www.nextdimensiongymnastics.com]



RURAL FUELS OF MONROE CT

LOCALLY TRUSTED & FAMILY OPERATED HTTPS://WWW.RURAL-FUELS.COM/SAVE-NOW [https://www.rural-fuels.com/save-now]

Committed to fueling homes, and runners, for over 75 years!



OUR NEWEST SUPPORTING SPONSORS

_MASSAGE ENVY SHELTON WILL HAVE VOLUNTEERS AVAILABLE BEFORE & AFTER YOUR RUN _

Massage Envy Shelton supports runners by helping them care for their bodies before, during,

and after their training and race-day efforts. After you cross the finish line, stop by the Massage Envy booth

for a post-race massage designed to help you relax, recover, and feel your best!

RABINE

FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY SHELTON WWW.RABINEFAMILYDENTISTRY.COM [https://www.rabinefamilydentistry.com]



*TITLE SPONSORS KID'S RUN-

*MY SMILE ORTHODONTICS HTTPS://WWW.MYSMILECT.COM/ [https://www.mysmilect.com/]

*RIVER ROAD PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY HTTPS://WWW.RIVERROADKIDS.COM/ [https://www.riverroadkids.com/]



SUPPORTING SPONSORS 2026

*_REFINE FITNESS TRUMBULL_.

*STOP & SHOP- TRUMBULL



IN KIND PARTNERS 2025 & 26

AMRITA PROTEIN BARS - HTTPS://WWW.AMRITAHEALTHFOODS.COM/ [https://www.amritahealthfoods.com/]



AWARDS SPONSORS

_$100/$75/$50 GC TO TOP 3 M&F FINISHERS FROM _*MARATHON SPORTS OF FAIRFIELD



IT'S 36TH TIME WE WILL BE HOSTING THE GREAT PUMPKIN CLASSIC 5K RUN!

LAST YEAR THE GREAT PUMPKIN WAS BLESSED WITH A BEAUTIFUL FALL DAY, AND WE HAD A BLAST!

WE HAVE HAD A RACE EVERY YEAR SINCE 1991. EVEN IN COVID 2020 WE WERE ABLE TO HOST THE

PUMPKIN REBOOT IN NOVEMBER TO CELEBRATE OUR 30TH YEAR!

MORE THAN 20 PEOPLE OF THE ORIGINAL 349 FINISHERS FROM JOINED US FOR THE CELEBRATION.

LAST YEAR MANY RETURNED AGAIN TO CELEBRATE OUR 35TH !

OUR 5K COURSE REMAINS THE SAME AS THE LAST SIX YEARS. THIS ROUTE IS VERY MUCH LIKE OUR ORIGINAL COURSE

FROM 1991 WITH A BIT OF AN UPHILL THE FIRST MILE. SEE THE MAP LINK AND DETAILS BELOW. AND THE VIDEO!



THE UNTIMED WALK FOR HEALTH WILL AGAIN BE AN EASY 1.7MI.



THE KIDS FUN RUN WILL BE ON THE NICE, FLAT TRACK!

AND AS GOOD AS EVER THANKS TO JON DIZNEY, DONNA CRAMOND AND THEIR TEAM.



AN AMAZING VIDEO RECORDED BY OUR COURSE RECORD HOLDER SPENCER BROWN-

as he was running and setting the record!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDruHfEtyT8&ab_channel=TheAthleteSpecial



THE RUN, WALK & KIDS COMMITTEES, SPONSORS, AND VOLUNTEERS TRULY APPRECIATE YOU JOINING US AS WE RETURN TO THS.

YOU WILL BE HELPING TO ADD TO OUR PROCEEDS WHICH HAVE TOTALED OVER $340,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS SINCE OUR START IN 1991.

OUR CHARITIES INCLUDE THE TRUMBULL HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION AND THE TRUMBULL SCHOOLS PTSA.

PLEASE HELP US AND DONATE ANY EXTRA YOU CAN FOR OUR STUDENTS THAT NEED THE HELP OF OUR FOUNDATION!


PLEASE PRE REGISTER ONLINE ASAP TO AVOID RACE DAY STRESS AND TO ENSURE SHIRT SIZING & AVAILABILITY.

ONLINE REGISTRATION ONLY ON EVENT DAY - IT ENDS FIVE MINUTES BEFORE THE START.


EVENT FEES:

THE 5K IS A 3.1MI DISTANCE AND A COMPUTER CHIP-TIMED EVENT.

PARTICIPANTS OF ALL ABILITIES ARE WELCOME TO RUN OR WALK THIS EVENT.

_REG IS ONLINE ONLY, EVEN RACE DAY IF WE ARE NOT SOLD OUT_

5K 19 & OVER 18 & UNDER
2/14 - 4/30 $28 $20 (JUST ABOUT 1991 PRICING!)

5/1 - 7/31 $31 $23

8/1 - 10/4 $34 $26

10/5 - 10/11 $37 $28

10/12 - 10/18 $40 $30

NO PAPER/NO CASH ON SITE ON EVENT DAY



1.7 MILE WALK - THIS EVENT IS NOT TIMED- THERE ARE NO AWARDS

2/14 - 4/30 $28 FOR 19 & OVER, $20 FOR 18 & UNDER

5/1 - 10/4 $31 / $23
10/5-10/18 $35 / $25
REG IS ONLINE ONLY. NO PAPER OR CASH



KIDS FUN RUNS - VARYING DISTANCES AND NOT TIMED. KIDS GET A SHIRT, FINISHING MEDAL & SNACK!!

4/4-10/11 $17 10/12-10/18 $20 NOTE- SHIRTS FOR THE KIDS RUN COULD SELL OUT AHEAD OF TIME!





CALENDAR
2/14 REGISTRATION OPENS

10/7 GUARANTEED SHIRT SIZING ENDS. AFTER THAT AS AVAILABLE & WE COULD RUN OUT

10/17 EARLY PICKUP 8:30-10:30AM IN THE FRONT (RIGHT SIDE) FOYER OF TRUMBULL HIGH SCHOOL



10/18 EVENT DAY - ALL REG IS ONLINE ONLY - NO PAPER & NO CASH

7:30 AM PICKUP & LATE REG ONLINE ONLY FOR THE 5K & WALK - IN THE THS CAFETERIA

7:45 AM PICKUP & REG FOR THE KIDS RUNS - ON THE TRACK AT THE FOOTBALL FIELD

8:10 AM KIDS RUNS - VARIOUS DISTANCES FOR AGE GROUPS ON THE THS TRACK

8:50 AM INTRODUCTIONS, THS MEN'S & WOMENS ENSEMBLE SING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM



START LOCATION -

ON THE DRIVEWAY OF THE 'A HOUSE' SIDE OF THE BUILDING- NEAR THE BIG LOT.

9:00 AM GREAT PUMPKIN CLASSIC 5K & UNTIMED 1.7MI WALK START



9:30 AM POST RACE PARTY - OUTSIDE NEAR THE FINISH LINE__

_FEATURING PLASKO'S DONUTS, JJ'S PUMPKIN SPICE PIES & LOTS MORE. _

_HYDRATE WITH THE AQUARION WATER COMPANY___



10:00 AM 5K AWARDS, MEDALS & PRIZES FROM MARATHON SPORTS



AWARDS & MEDALS

1ST, 2ND & 3RD IN AGE GROUPS 9 & UNDER, 10-13, 14-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+



SWAG- LONG SLEEVE SHIRTS AS AVAILABLE FOR 5K & WALK.

AND DEFINITELY CAROLINA INSTANT RICE PACKAGES!



PLEASE NOTE- SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES, TARIFFS AND CRAZINESS ARE ALWAYS A PART OF OUR LIVES.

T-SHIRTS ARE INCLUDED IN THIS DILEMMA. WE MAY NEED TO SWITCH TO A DIFFERENT GIVE AWAY LATER

IN THE PICKUP PROCESS WITHOUT ANY WARNING. WE APPRECIATE YOUR UNDERSTANDING.



5K COURSE - HTTPS://WWW.PLOTAROUTE.COM/ROUTE/3440431 [https://www.plotaroute.com/route/3440431]

YOU CAN RUN IT, WALK IT, OR ANY COMBINATION THEREOF.

IT HAS SOME HILLS, FLAT SPOTS, AND A GREAT DOWNHILL FROM 1 MILE TO 1.3MI THAT EVERYONE SEEMS TO FORGET ABOUT.

IT IS TRUMBULL SO ENJOY THE SCENERY.

THIS COURSE IS ACTUALLY A THROWBACK. OVER 75% OF IT IS FROM THE ORIGINAL 1991 COURSE!

IT STILL HAS THE "LAURIE RD HILL" THAT WILL CHALLENGE YOU AS YOU START THE LAST MILE.

BUT DON'T WORRY, THE LAST 6/10 MI IS DOWNHILL AND FLAT!

SEE THE VIDEO HERE: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=RDRUHFETYT8&AB_CHANNEL=THEATHLETESPECIAL [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDruHfEtyT8&ab_channel=TheAthleteSpecial]

NOTE- DUE TO SAFETY ISSUES OR A LACK OF VOLUNTEERS THERE MAY NOT BE ANY WATER STOP ON THE COURSE WITH OPEN WATER CUPS.

PLEASE BE PREPARED TO PRE-HYDRATE AND CARRY YOUR OWN FLUIDS AND NOT DROP ANYTHING ALONG OUR NEIGHBORHOOD!



THE 1.7MI NON-TIMED WALK ONLY COURSE- HTTPS://ONTHEGOMAP.COM/S/3BU3PKFO [https://onthegomap.com/s/3bu3pkfo]

ITS PRETTY DARN FLAT THE WHOLE WAY!



THE KIDS RUNS ARE ON THE TRACK! YES, THE TRACK IS STILL FLAT



LOCATION & PARKING DETAILS- AT HILLCREST MIDDLE SCHOOL (THE BEST SPOT IF YOU WANT TO GET OUT FAST AFTER YOU ARE DONE!),

OR THE BACK LOT OF TRUMBULL HIGH, AND THE FOOTBALL SIDE LOT OF TRUMBULL HIGH.

THE DRIVEWAY BETWEEN THS & HILLCREST MIDDLE SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED AT 8:45 AM FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR RUNNERS ON COURSE.

POLICE WILL BE ON DUTY AT THE LOT AND AT KEY INTERSECTIONS ON THE COURSE.



A BIT OF HISTORY-

THE TEMPERATURE WAS IN THE LOW 60'S, WARM FOR A LATE FALL RUN. IT STARTED AT 10 AM ON SUNDAY, OCT 27, 1991,

WITH BIOLOGY TEACHER (NOW RETIRED) MARTY SCHAIVONE YELLING "GO!". THE INAUGURAL 5K RUN HAD 349 FINISHERS-

A VERY HIGH NUMBER FOR A NEW, LOCAL EVENT.

_PAT SWIFT AND ALLISON SUCHENSKI_ (TRUMBULL HIGH ALUM) WERE THE INAUGURAL CHAMPIONS.

WITHIN A FEW YEARS, IT BECAME ONE OF THE TOP RACES IN CT REACHING A HIGH OF OVER 800 REGISTRATIONS IN THE LATE '90S.

IT WAS REDESIGNED AS A FOUR MILE COURSE IN 1993 TO ACOMMODATE A UNIQUE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AND STAYED THAT WAY TILL 2016.

FEATURED RUNNERS INCLUDED THE ICONIC BILL ROGERS, TOP AMERICAN LAURA MYKOTOK, TWO OLYMPIANS, AND CHAMPIONS FROM SIX DIFFERENT COUNTRIES!

RESIDENTS FROM NEARLY ALL 169 TOWNS IN CT HAVE FINISHED OUR EVENT. IT ALSO HOSTED AN AMAZING

MARISAS RESTAURANT COMMUNITY PASTA PARTY THE NIGHT BEFORE FOR OVER 10 YEARS.

THANK YOU ALL- AS WE CELEBRATE OUR 36TH YEAR WE THANK OUR PAST AND CURRENT SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS,

FACULTY, STUDENTS, NEIGHBORS, AND FRIENDS WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED IMMEASURABLY.

THE COUNTLESS COMMITTEE MEMBERS THAT HAVE HELPED KEEP THE GPC ALIVE AND FUN.

WE THANK YOU FOR JOINING US ON ANY LEVEL WHETHER LIVE, VIRTUAL OR AS A DONOR.

OUR STUDENTS WILL BENEFIT FROM YOUR COMMITMENT.



WE WELCOME SPONSOR PARTNERS AT ANY LEVEL.

THERE ARE MANY OPPORTUNITIES AND A GREAT NEED TO COVER OUR COSTS FOR SHIRTS, TIMING, FACILITIES, POLICE, FOOD AND MUCH MORE.

EVERY PARTNER HELPS US TO DONATE TO OUR SCHOLARSHIP FUND, CLUBS TEAMS, AND THE STUDENTS INVOLVED.

GET YOUR NAME ON THE SHIRTS OR EVEN THE BIBS. BECOME A NAMED SPONSOR UNDERNEATH THE GREAT PUMPKIN CLASSIC!

THERES A LOT TO CHOOSE FROM.

SPONSOR CONTACT _MARTY SCHAIVONE_ MSRUNNINGPRODUCTIONS@YAHOO.COM ASAP!



WE WILL KEEP THIS SITE UPDATED AND LET ALL PRE-REGISTERED KNOW WHATS GOING ON.

IF WE ARE FORCED TO GO VIRTUAL PLEASE UNDERSTAND WE CANT REFUND YOUR REGISTRATION.

WE PURCHASE SHIRTS, BIBS, PINS, ETC., AT LEAST TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE. WE PAY NONREFUNDABLE DEPOSITS

ON SOME ITEMS AND BUY FOOD AND FLUIDS AHEAD OF TIME.



_MSRP HELPS TO DIRECT OVER 30 OTHER EVENTS WHICH RAISED OVER $250,000 FOR CHARITIES LAST YEAR._

OTHER EVENTS IN TRUMBULL INCLUDE THE COW CHIP CROSS COUNTRY RUN, JINGLE BELL RUN, & TRUMBULL SUNSET.

OTHER RACES IN THE AREA INCLUDE THE COLONY GRILL HOT OIL 5K, THE BIGELOW TEA 5K, AND THE BEACH BUNNY 5K IN FAIRFIELD.

IN STRATFORD WE DIRECT THE TURKEY TROT, LITTLE PUB MARGARITA RUN, HAPPY HALLOWINE, HOLIDAY TOY RUN & FIVE MORE.

(AND MANY OTHERS IN MILFORD, BRIDGEPORT, WESTPORT & BEYOND).

THE 2026 MSRP SCHEDULE LINK:

WWW.HITEKRACING.COM/MSRP

ALL MSRP EVENTS CAN BE FOUND ON WWW.RUNSIGNUP.COM [http://www.runsignup.com]



_THANKS TO OUR 2025 PARTNERS AND THEIR DONATIONS _

_TO THE TRUMBULL HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION _

_WE WERE ABLE TO DONATE $8,000 TO THE THS SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION!! _

Races

  • 5k Run or Walk Ages 19 & Over

    Incl. $3.90 Fee & Long Sleeve T-Shirt

    Sun 18th October 2026 (9:00AM EDT)

    $43.90

    CLOSED
    All details are on page one. Baby strollers are ok. Leashed pooches are ok but you need to start in the back and behave yourself. That goes for the dog as well! And bring your own poop bag. Any other info questions please use the website contact form.
  • 5k Run or Walk Ages 18 & Under

    Incl. $3.30 Fee & Long Sleeve T-Shirt

    Sun 18th October 2026 (9:00AM EDT)

    $33.30

    CLOSED
    All details are on page one. Baby strollers are ok. Leashed pooches are ok but you need to start in the back and behave yourself. That goes for the dog as well! Bring your own poop bag. Any other info questions please use the website contact form.
  • 1+ Mile Health Walk Ages 19 & Over

    Incl. $3.60 Fee & Long Sleeve T-Shirt

    Sun 18th October 2026 (9:00AM EDT)

    $38.60

    CLOSED
    All details are on page one. Baby strollers are ok. Leashed pooches are ok but you need to start in the back and behave yourself. That goes for the dog as well! Bring your own poop bag. Any other info questions please use the website contact form.
  • 1+ Mile Health Walk Ages 18 & Under

    Incl. $3.00 Fee & Long Sleeve T-Shirt

    Sun 18th October 2026 (9:00AM EDT)

    $28.00

    CLOSED
    All details are on page one. Baby strollers are ok. Leashed pooches are ok but you need to start in the back and behave yourself. That goes for the dog as well! Bring your own poop bag. Any other info questions please use the website contact form.
  • Kids Fun Runs- Ages 12 & Under

    Incl. $2.70 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sun 18th October 2026 (8:15AM EDT)

    $22.70

    CLOSED
    Coordinator Jon Dizney will once again bring on the fun & run for all kids. Recommended for 6th grade and under. Parents may accompany their little ones to avoid drama. (Theirs or yours)

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Location

TRUMBULL HIGH SCHOOL, 72 STROBEL RD, TRUMBULL, 06611, CT, United States

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