The Child Protection Center’s Runaway Pumpkin 5K & Family Fest is on Saturday, October 31! The event will feature a 5K race, a 100m children’s Mini Monster Dash, and a FREE Fall family festival. A virtual 5K is also available. Race activities begin at 8 a.m., followed by the free Family Fest from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Festival attendees will enjoy food trucks, trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting, child-friendly activities and sensory stations, lawn games, photo opportunities, community partners, inflatable games, and PAWS therapy dogs in the popular puppy pit. Children can also participate in age-based costume contests. Admission to the Family Fest is FREE and open to the public — you do NOT need to register for the race to attend the festival, though all runners are encouraged to join in the fun! The goal is to provide local families with an accessible, low-to-no-cost day of connection, celebration, and support for safe childhoods all while having fun!

Kids’ costume contest:

- 0 to 2yrs: 11 a.m.

- 3 to 5yrs: 11:15 a.m.

- 6 to 8yrs: 11:30 a.m.

- 9 to 12yrs: 11:45 a.m.

Proceeds from the event will support the Child Protection Center’s mission of the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse across Sarasota and DeSoto Counties.

Learn more or register for the races and/or the free Family Fest: https://cpcsarasota.org/events/runaway-pumpkin/ *Registering for the Family Fest is not required but is encouraged!

Businesses and organizations that would be a good fit for local families and are interested in participating in our Vendor Village, or to inquire about volunteering, please reach out to Kingsley Event Consulting at KingsleyEventsTeam@outlook.com. 

Community members are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations during the event to support local families facing food insecurity during the holiday season.