Runaway Pumpkin Half Marathon 2016~The Gift of Running

To run or not to run? What a silly question! 

 On the "stormy" morning of Saturday October 15th I ran the Runaway Pumpkin Half marathon.  This was the morning Oregon was going to get hit with big pacific northwest storm.  Many people were concerned about the race Saturday morning, including the Runaway Pumpkin Half race director and staff.  They did such a good job posting and e-mailing updates for race day morning. Safety was certainly a concern!  At 5:00 am Saturday morning, they sent out one last email....the race was happening!!!!! 



  As I drove to the race that morning, I didn't feel the weather was too bad. After I got to the race it wasn't too bad either.  As I ran that morning, I thought, "this is perfect running weather."  It was 55 degrees with a very light mist in the air.  As I ran that morning we were hit with a little bit of wind in areas. 7 mph to be exact! It was an awesome time! 

Ready to run with Tonya! Tonya has run this race all 8 years!

  This was Runaway Pumpkin Half's 8th year.  I have run this race every year except one, when my daughter was in her Senior year of cross country!  It's one of my favorite half marathons.  I love the loop course and I love the atmosphere of this race.  It is really fun to dress up for this one, but you aren't required to do so.  The course is FULL of volunteers who are happy to be helping. I love the bikers who come help out on the course every year!  They are a great bunch of guys who help with traffic and help keep up runners/walkers safe.

  The course was pretty! We started and ended at Cheadle Lake Park in Lebanon, OR.  We ran through the park on a paved path and then turn off into a friendly neighborhood.  There were people out on their porches cheering as we ran by.  After running through the neighborhood we headed towards a country road and ran along a river for several miles.  It's was so calming and beautiful with all the Fall leaves. I loved every minute of it! As we turned and ran across a bridge, a band was playing.  I love running to the beat of the drums! 

Olivia and her husband Brandon who ran his first
half TODAY!!!!!

The yummy food at the end. They even had it safely
covered to stay dry in this "stormy" weather.

This was a special race to me because 5.5 weeks before this race I sprained my ankle helping with high school cross country.  I was unsure if I would be able to finish this race running, or even at all.  Every day I would test my foot.  Some days it was just getting through the work day.  Some days running a mile or two very slowly, and some days nothing because it needed to rest and heal.  I had already missed Uberthons Fall Half and I didn't want to miss this one too.  I planned on running with friends, and many showed up that morning.  It was fun to see everyone out, even in the midst of a "storm."  I ran every step of the Runaway Pumpkin Half with my friend Tonya who hadn't ran a half in over a year!  It was a special race to her too.

We did it!!!! 

Congratulations to Lacey

I plan on running this again next year and coming back to "race."  I am ready to PR this course but my foot needs to finish healing first.  I am just happy I got to be there and run!  Helps me remember that running really is a gift.  

This is a great race to put on your 2017 calendar.  100% profits goes to ABC House.  Founded in 1997, they help abused and neglected children in the Benton and Linn Counties. 

Congratulations to Melissa, running her first half
marathon today!

Congratulations Caric!

If you're not ready to run or walk a half marathon, you can choose the 8k.  The 8k was new this year and a great add on.  I had two friends do this race and they loved being able to take part in this fun time.

Follow Runaway Pumpkin Half on facebook here

Follow ABC House on facebook here

Follow my fitness page ZaoFit here

Runaway Pumpkin Half 2016 ~ October 15th ~ Race Preview

You can chose to dress up if you like! There is
a costume contest! 

The Runaway Pumpkin Half is one of my favorite half marathons every year. It's cooler weather, a great course and a super fun atmosphere.  I hope you can join me for this great run.  If a half marathon isn't what you're looking for, Runaway Pumpkin is adding a new 8k race this year!  It will be open to runners and walkers!  

2015 before the start! 

If you have been thinking about it, register today! Next price increase will be September 1st!

100% proceeds go to the ABC House.  The ABC House is a Child Abuse Intervention Center serving Benton and Linn Counties.  

Cool medals from 2015! 

The race will is held in Lebanon, OR at Cheadle Lake Park.  The finish will be close to Weirich Drive. 

 

Currently you can register for the half for $65.00.  On September 1st it will go up to $75.00. Currently the 8k is $40.00 and will go up to $45.00 on September 1st.  

Register HERE and check out more details about the Runaway Pumpkin Half & 8k HERE!

Runaway Pumpkin Half ~ Running in Costume

Are you looking for a great Half Marathon?  Look no further, the Runaway Pumpkin Half is one of my personal favorites. 

~ It's in the Fall, my favorite time of year! 

~ It's a half, I love the half distance!  

~ It's a nice, looped mostly flat course!

~ It's also a dress up race! 

Saturday October 17th, join me for this fanatic race!  Don't forget, you can walk it or run it!!!

~~~~~~~Register here~~~~~~

Running in Costume!

I have dressed up every year for this race and loved it! If you have never dressed up for a race, maybe give it a go this year!  

I'd like to send some tips your way.  Hopefully the tips will help your nerves so you can embrace the crazy fun of running in costume! 

1st ~ Get the creativeness going.  Dressing up is fun! Check out photos on Pinterest.  It will get ideas going fast!  Secondhand stores can be a great place to find costume pieces.  You might be surprised at whats in your own closet. Often you can put together a fun costume with items you already have. 

The Inaugural Runaway Pumpkin Half, what a fun time!  

2nd ~ Don't forget....you are going to sweat during a race, so take  Vaseline!    It will be your best friend under all that fun material!  Make sure you wear some of your regular running gear under your costume!  Costumes should never be worn by themselves during a race...you can just take my word on that one! 

3rd ~  Use all of those extra safety pins laying around from previous races to make your costume!  Safety pins are the BEST at pinning down items like necklaces and headpieces. You can also use them to add-on any last minute props your awesome costume.  

4th ~ I don't recommend using hairspray for race day!  You don't want to feel the burn as the sweaty hairspray drips down your face, into your eyes!  Your fancy hair isn't going to last past mile three anyway, so just be happy you got your fun photos at the start! 

2013 race!  Ran for my buddy Lincoln who had cancer! 

5th ~ Be ready to embrace the fun of the costume on race day.  You will get comments, and extra cheers.  Go with it, have fun!

Last year with these crazies! 

Keep in mind when you're happy, you run faster!  Embrace the fun of the awesome costume you picked out and placed together and guess what, you will run faster!!!!

Now, tell me....what will you dress up for The Runaway Pumpkin Half?  I have my costume all picked out!  My two friends are trying to decide how they will dress!

  Join me and my friends at 8:00 am for the judging on race day.  The Runaway Pumpkin Half starts and ends at Cheadle Lake Park, Lebanon OR.  Photos will be taken.  Splendid prizes awaits the winning costume participants.  Prizes will be given out by 8:30 am with plenty of time to warm up before the race starts at 9:00 am.  

   
Follow The Runaway Pumpkin Half on Facebook here
Follow them on twitter here
Follow them on Instagram here

Follow me on Facebook at ZaoFit here.  I would love to hear your fitness story! 

Runaway Pumpkin Half 2015 Coming Soon!

Join me Saturday October 17th at Cheadle Lake Park in Lebanon, OR for The Runaway Pumpkin Half

g

Register ~here~

Current price is $57.00

After Sept 1st price goes up to $67.00, DON'T MISS OUT!

Walkers and Runners welcome! 4.5 hour time limit. 

 Race is limited to 1500 people.

 All proceeds go to the ABC House 

The Runaway Pumpkin Half is one of my favorite half marathons. For starters, I love Fall races in Oregon!  This one is fun because you can dress up.  They even have a costume contest.  Come at 8:00 am for the contest.  They even give out prizes if you win!  Last year a lot of people came and took part in this.  It was really fun!   If your not wanting to dress up, it's not a requirement, but it is sure worth it! Grab a friend and start planning! 

  

The race will start at 9:00 am.  The course is a large loop.  It's fairly flat with a few very small rollers.  I think this is a great beginners course and a great course for a PR if your looking for a faster time.  I will be running this in hopes of a PR this year! Hope you can join me!

Follow Runaway Pumpkin at facebook here!

Join the event page here!

Follow on Twitter here!

 Follow on Instagram here!

Follow on Pinterest here! 

Follow me (Julie) at ZaoFit here!

Upcoming races:

REVEL Big Cottonwood Marathon Sept 12, 2015

Runaway Pumpkin Half Oct 17, 2015

Uberthons Halloweenathon 5k Oct 31, 2015

Run Wild Adventures Silver Falls 7 mile trail run Nov 7, 2015

Uberthons Turkeython 5k Nov 26, 2015

Uberthons NaughtyorNiceathon 5k Dec 12, 2015

Uberthons Winter Half  Jan 23, 2016

Runaway Pumpkin Half '14 Race Review

October 18th 2014 was the Runaway Pumpkin Half Marathon in Lebanon at Cheadle Lake Park.

Tonya, Erika and me!

Runaway Pumpkin  is a fundraiser for the ABC House.  The ABC house is in Albany, OR.  They provide a safe and healing environment for children who have been abused.  I love that funds are going to support this!

Info on the Runaway Pumpkin Half Marathon:

Race entries: Early bird $45.00 through May 31st. Prices went up until just before race day.  $55.00 through Aug. 31st, $65.00 through Oct. 7th and $70 till registration closed on Oct. 15th. 

Registration included a cool tech shirt, a reusable goodie bag FULL of coupons and samples.  It was one of the best goodie bags I have gotten at a race. You also got a finishers medal!
  This race was chip timed.

Staggered start in pace groups.

Packet pick up was available the day before the race or on race morning.

Race was open to walker and runners (4.5 hours time limit).

There were 7 aid stations along the course.

Course is a nice loop, partly along the water.

Lots of food after the race with gluten free food this year.

Lots of vendors including a massage vendor!!!

That's me in the middle, front with the really white legs, lol!  Costume contest! (Photo by Ingrid B.)

The Runaway Pumpkin Run from Julie's point-of-view:  Saturday morning I rode up with friends.  We came early so we could take part in the costume contest The Runaway Pumpkin Half was having before the race started.

The weather was good but could of been a little cooler if you ask me, lol.   I stood in line at the port-a-potties with Emily, Erika, and Tonya for the second time.  With only  five minutes left to start and about 8 ladies in front of me, I left the line and headed for the start. I joined my pace group and was excited to get started.

Me at the starting line (photo by Eric F.)

Soon the race started.  The race director did a great job with the staggered start.  The first mile was a narrow path and I never felt like there were too many people around me that mile.  People were passing each other with no problems.  As I ran a few people passed me and I made it a point to remember them.  Come miles 7-13, I had plans of passing them back!  I was really trying to pace this race right!  As I turned the first corner (a sharp corner) a guy almost tripped me cutting me off to shake a volunteers hand. He was so focused on the volunteers he didn't even realize what he had done.  He went on my passing list!  

Erika running fast (Photo by Eric F.)

I ran the first four miles and wondered if I should speed up but I just tried to maintain.  I didn't want the last few miles to be horrible.  I had told my friend Erika (running this for the first time) that it was a flat course. I had ran it a few times and honestly remembered it being flat.  Well, it was fairly flat (opps).  There were several small rolling hills but it wasn't bad at all.  This is one of my very favorite half courses. I did keep thinking, "Erika is gonna kill me"   

I found Erika and ran with her for a few min.

I knew Erika's husband would be at about mile nine.  I had plans to hand off my water bottle and fly to the end if I felt good.  About mile 8.7, there he was.  I almost didn't see him. I handed off my water bottle and I took off.  I was feeling good and I needed to finish passing all the people on the list in my head.  I was sure I wasn't going to PR at this point so I didn't focus on that too much.  I just looked at the line of people in front of me and started picking them off, one by one.  If they had a bright shirt on, I went after them.  

With about two miles left I realized I might just PR, but I was going to have to really GO, so I speed up.  Mile 13 was my fastest mile!  I was just short of a lifetime PR, but I did PR the course by about eight minutes!  I finished at 1:50.53 feeling AWESOME. I do believe that was the best I have ever felt for a half and it was my 11th one.  It pays to learn how to pace correctly.  I did learn that if I feel good, I should speed up a few miles earlier than I did.  

My friend Emily had finished way before me, and Eric told me in on how she did.  Eric and I headed out to look for Erika, Tonya, Mitch and Kelleigh. Some of our Dallas friends.  I was supper excited for Erika, she PRed today!  As everyone came in we went over and found the food booth and looked around.  

Found Will from Dallas, The DJ for the event

Finished! 1:50.53

Found some Superheros! Mitch and Kelleigh! 

We did good Tonya!

Race sponsors 

Post race food!

This is a half marathon I definitely would suggest you do!  I look forward to next year!

Follow me at Zao Fit

The Runaway Pumpkin Half Marathon 2014 Pre Race News!

Are you looking for a Fall Half?

 I recommend The Runaway Pumpkin Half!

Feeling good in the 2012 race!

It's October 18th in Lebanon, OR (Cheadle Lake Park) at 9:00am.

I have run this race twice and it's one of my favorites for several reasons.  I love to race in the Falls (cooler weather).  It's a really fun atmosphere with a costume contest.   You can walk or run.  It's a fundraiser for the ABC House in Albany, OR.  The ABC House is a Child Abuse Intervention Center serving Benton and Linn Counties.  It also has great food at the end!

Me getting ready to run in 2012 (a PR year for me!)

There are a number of ways you can help or take part in this awesome fundraiser.  

~Run or walk the half marathon.  You can register here for $65.  Price goes up on Oct 7th.

~Buy a hoodie for $25 here.

~Can't make it? You can support ABC house by being a Virtual Runner for $45 here.

~Volunteer on race day.

The Runaway Pumpkin course is perfect for a beginner or if your looking for a Half PR.  Nice and flat.  It's a loop course.  Partly running along the water.  Race is capped at 1500. Currently just over 700 have registered. It is chipped timed. If you like to dress up, there is a contest for the best costume but costumes aren't required.  Packet pick-up will be Friday the 18th at the Phoenix Inn & Suites in Albany from 8-4.  If you can't make that, you can pick up your packet Saturday morning from 7:00-8:45.  You will get your awesome shirt at this time too.  There will be age group winner/prizes and the first place male/female will receive a $250 gift card to Lowe's and a free entry for next years race!  How sweet is that!?

2011, a fun year!

Read about my 2012 race here. 

Read about my 2011 race here.

 Follow Runaway Pumpkin on

Facebook, here.

Instagram, here. 

Twitter, here.

Join me on my facebook page ZaoFit and tell me if your running this race!  I would love to meet you! ZaoFit~Julie Mullins