KENT, Conn.—In this year of anniversary celebrations, there is one more on the horizon. 2026 brings the 50th annual Pumpkin Run, the longest continuously staged road race in Connecticut.
It will, as always, it will have a holiday theme and is slated to be run this year on Sunday, Oct. 25, starting and ending at the Town Hall, 41 Kent Green Blvd. As usual, runners and walkers are encouraged to wear whatever outrageous costumes their imaginations can concoct.
There is a small break with tradition this year, however, as the race has been moved back one hour to 11 a.m. rather than noon. “The day is a celebration of small town, community fun,” said Ellen Corsell, vice president of the Kent Chamber of Commerce. “The response has been so overwhelming, we decided to move the time back because we believe it will be better for the merchants and there will be less traffic while the contestants are running.”
A Kids Fun Run is at 10:30 a.m. “The kids’ race is being run by Parks and Rec and can be either a mile or half-mile,” Corsell said.
She added that many more walkers have signed up this year because it is an anniversary year.
The Chamber members have been working hard to make the 50th annual race special. Corsell said, “We are so honored that Seth MacFarlane designed our shirt. Every year we have a different artist do the design.”
MacFarlane, who is only three years older than the race and whose birthday almost coincides with its running, was born and grew up in Kent. He became an actor, filmmaker, comedian and singer, creating and starring in the television series “Family Guy” and “The Orville,” and co-creating the series “American Day!” and the “Cleveland Show.” The shirt design includes another of his creations, the tough-talking Teddy bear of his films, “Ted” and its sequel “Ted 2”
“He’s so kind and supportive of the town,” said Corsell. “This year, rather than the regular tee-shirts, we did a long-sleeved cotton hoody that people can wear all the time. To celebrate, we are making them available to everyone, even if they don’t run the race. I’ve been selling them at the weekly Farmers Market.” Runners can register and hoodies can be purchased here.
Corsell said the race tradition has been maintained by a steady group of volunteers, some of whom have helped with its organization for more than a quarter century. “We’ve done it every year—even during Covid when we did a virtual race,” she said.
“We’re known for having a beautiful course and people say we have one of the best after-race parties. There are the awards, a costume contest and live music. Rob Zombie has designed a medal that we hope to give to each of the registrants—we’ll do our best to see everyone gets one. And this year, Kent Falls Brewery had artist Daniel Hamilton do a special beer can design for the run.”
Another tradition has passed through three donors. “Billy Leo, who owned the Villager Restaurant, used to make a vat of pumpkin soup and everyone got a bowl,” Corsell continued. “Then, when he retired, Elissa Potts of the Fife ‘n Drum took it over and now Highwatch Farm is doing it. Other merchants also donate food. We’ve had an overwhelmingly huge sponsorship for this celebration.”
The event will be held rain or shine. “One year there was a downpour and people were dancing in the rain,” Corsell recalled. “We have even run it in the snow. We invite everyone to come to race or walk or just cheer on the contestants. A lot of the runners show up in silly, crazy costumes and dogs are welcome.”
Money raised through the annual event goes back into the town through charitable donations and to support Chamber of Commerce endeavors.
Halloween will be celebrated in Kent on Saturday, October, 31. An annual extravaganza that draws hundreds of visitors from neighboring towns to the village center, the evening will again feature merchants who stay open late to greet trick-or-treaters, a zombie dance troupe from South Kent School interpreting Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” a disco dance at 45 on Main, and a Trunk or Treat sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce that is open to both merchants and residents who wish to dispense candy to young hobgoblins.
The merriment begins at 5 p.m. on the 31sr. More details will be announced later.
