Pumpkin Run/Walk Carves Fun into Exercise

A variety of run/walk events exist in Port Washington and Saukville throughout the year, but physical education teacher Colette Piontek said offers a unique draw.

The event offers a kids' race, and each participant is given a pumpkin for particpating in the run. The event is coming up Sept. 30.

In its sixth year, continuing the run/walk is "something positive we can do," for the community, Piontek said. The event was developed as a way to raise funds for the department. More than 150 runners participated last year, said Kris Nonn, a physical education teacher at Port Washington High School, and it has grown every year.

“We have a lot of expensive equipment," Piontek said, adding that the money also helped to send the kids on a field trip to JCC Rainbow Day Camp in Fredonia last year — something that the department is hopeful will continue.

The camp offers a lot of outdoor activities, such as archery, rock climbing, boating and more — and left a lasting impression on Piontek.

"This is my 16th year teaching here, and I can't believe it took me this long to find (the camp)," she said.

Pumpkins in the Park starts at 4:15 p.m. Sept. 30 in . The kids fun run (for ages 12 and younger) starts at 5:15 p.m., and involves one lap around the park — roughly three-quarters of a mile. A 5K run/walk begins at 5:30 p.m., with an awards ceremony and picnic to follow afterward in the pavilion near the Possibility Playground.

Pre-registration ends Thursday, Sept 22, and costs $15 per adult, $10 per kid or $40 for a family (which includes four T-shirts). After Thursday, prices go up to $18 per adult, $12 per kid and $50 per family.

Download the registration form, or call Jill Sullivan at 262-268-5780 or Kris Nonn at 262-268-5637 for information or a registration form.