Lake Bluff PTO Pumpkin Chase

Lake Bluff PTO Pumpkin Chase is on October 24, 2026 in Lake Bluff, Illinois, with the certified 5K at 8:00 a.m. and a 1-mile fun run for kindergarten through fourth grade at 9:15. The 5K route runs through tree-lined streets and finishes with a view of Lake Michigan, and refreshments and awards follow for everyone. The children's mile is framed as friendly competition rather than a serious race.

A certified course is worth something if you care about your time: it means the 3.1 miles has been measured properly and your result stands up next to other races. Build toward it with a month of consistent running and one weekly interval session. Parents can run the 5K first and still be back at the line for their child's mile an hour or so later.