12th annual Pumpkin Run sees largest turnout yet
By: Lauren Fabrizi
lfabrizi@klkntv.com
The Nebraska Sports Council's Pumpkin Run is back in Lincoln for its 12th year, and is bigger than ever. Elementary school children from across the city came out for the annual cross country event Saturday.
“I like when you finish and everyone's cheering,” Taylor Peter said. “It makes you feel good.”
In fact, the council's Branden Bopp said the event is the biggest youth cross country race in the nation.
“This is a good way to get kids active, and just help them lead a healthy lifestyle,” Bopp said.
Children from both public and parochial schools across Lincoln, as well as kids from neighboring communities, participated in the mile-long run around Pioneers Park.
While many said they had a good time, they admitted it was quite the challenge.
“Somewhat difficult going up the hills,” Maverick Jensen said.
“It was very good exercise,” Makayla Schmidt added.
There are no individual winners, but instead, schools with the most participants are recognized. Among those at the top include Kooser, Huntington and St. Joseph's.
Organizers said they're more than impressed with this year's showing.
“We're pretty proud that we're able to host an event this big, like I said it keeps growing,” Bopp said. “We couldn't do this without all the volunteers and the people helping us out.”
Organizers said the race will be held at Pioneers Park again next year. They hope the turnout will continue to grow.
