Kent Pumpkin Run offers race and much more

Registration for the 36th annual Kent Pumpkin Run is open.

The five-mile event will kick off Oct. 28 with a noon start at Kent Green in front of town hall. The spectator-friendly course will finish in the same spot, accompanied before and after the race by music, refreshments, face painting, Halloween festivities and more.

The day will begin with a Kids Fun Run at 11:15 a.m.

To register in advance or for additional information about the 5-mile race, the annual Kids Fun Run, and all of the other companion events, visit www.kentpumpkinrun.com or contact race director Dave Dunleavy at dunleavyrun@aol.com or 860-927-1332.

"We have confidence there will not be a blizzard this year," said race committee member Laura McLaughlin, in reference to last autumn's freak snowstorm on race weekend.

The event is hosted by the Kent Chamber of Commerce.

Race participants are encouraged to donate as they register or to bring nonperishable donations to support the official charitable beneficiary -- the Kent Food Bank. Donations can be dropped off at Davis IGA or Kent Wine & Spirit during race week or at the start/finish area on race day.

Runners are also welcome to compete for prizes for best costume during the race. A variety of gift certificates from local merchants will be among the prizes.

There also will be a partnership once again with the Kent Memorial Library. The race pace car, a classic 2001 C5 Chevy Corvette, will be raffled with tickets available at the library for $20.

Proceeds will support the library's operating budget.

The race's top male and female finishers will be awarded complimentary entries in the raffle, courtesy of the Kent Chamber of Commerce.

The grand prize drawing for the car will take place Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. in conjunction with the race's awards ceremony.

None of this could take place without the generous sponsors, according to Ira Smith of the Kent Chamber of Commerce.

"We are truly fortunate to have strong support from over 20 businesses from the greater Kent area," he said.

This year's sponsors include Union Savings Bank, Davis IGA, Bartlett Tree Experts, Kent Green, Region 1 Athletic Fund, Webster Bank, Bulls Bridge Inn, Fife `n Drum, Hastey Security Systems, Kent Physical Therapy, Kent Wine & Spirit, Law Office of Cecilia Buck-Taylor, Washington Montessori School, Morrison Gallery, NY Life Insurance, Riley's Furniture, Rolling River Antiques, Rose & Kiernan Insurance, Salisbury Bank, Winters Bros. Waste Systems and Woodbridge Running Co.