Jack-O-Lantern 5K & 10K - Celebrating 250 Years of USA!
For 2026, the Jack-O-Lantern 5K & 10K proudly celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America with a theme carried throughout the event. Races will take place along the scenic Upper Bucks Rail Trail in the Quakertown area. The popular Pumpkin Challenge returns, and family-friendly pricing is available.
This event is presented by the Knights of Columbus – Quakertown and Richland Township Fire & Rescue. Proceeds will benefit the Richland Township Fire & Rescue, assisting with the purchase of turnout gear.
Race Details
Start Time: Both the 5K and 10K races begin at 8:00 AM. Pace times will be available in the start area for self-seeding. The event is chip-timed, with start and finish lines on the Upper Bucks Rail Trail, heading south towards Veterans Park.
Student Pricing
To make races more accessible, fees are reduced or eliminated for participants 19 years old and younger. Ages 10-19 pay half the regular adult cost, with the Pumpkin Challenge add-on available for an additional $7. Participants 9 years old and younger race for free (shirt included, not eligible for Pumpkin Challenge for safety).
Pumpkin Challenge
Add the Pumpkin Challenge to your registration to carry a 2-5 lb. pumpkin throughout the race and bring it back intact to keep your pumpkin and receive a finisher prize. No carrying devices are allowed. Runners under 9 are not eligible for this challenge.
Awards
Awards will be given for Overall and Age Group winners, including Top Overall Female and Male, Top Master Female and Male, and Top 3 in each age group for both the 5K and 10K races.
Entry Fees
- June 1st to Sept 1st (Labor Day): $35 (20+), $17.50 (10-19), $0 (<10)
- Sept 7th to Sept 25th: $40 (20+), $20 (10-19), $0 (<10)
- Sept 26th (Race Day): $45 (20+), $22.50 (10-19), $0 (<10)
- Pumpkin Challenge Add-on: $7 for either distance
Amenities
All participants receive a shirt. Those registered by Sept 7th (Age 10+) receive a Red, White & Blue moisture-wicking short sleeve shirt; Under 10 receive a cotton shirt. Sizes may be limited for registrations after Sept 7th. Only Pumpkin Challengers receive a Finisher prize. Courses are on packed gravel and paved sections of the Upper Bucks Rail Trail and Richland Twp Veterans Park. Indoor restrooms and portable toilets are available. Free post-race food from local establishments will be provided.
Important Notes
The race starts and finishes on the Upper Bucks Rail Trail, near the Richland Township Fire & Rescue building (64 Shelly Rd, Quakertown, PA 18951). Packet pickup is Friday (9/25) 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM and Saturday (9/26) 6:30 AM - 7:50 AM at the fire station. Strollers are welcome. No animals are allowed on the course.
Race Timing & Results
The race will be professionally timed by Bryn Mawr Racing Co. Results will be available at http://www.brynmawrracing.com.
Updates & Photos
Find race updates and post-race photos on the Jack-O-Lantern 5K 10K Facebook page.
Contact
Questions? Contact Race Director Chris Plominski at [email protected].