Pumpkin Plod 2026

Pumpkin Plod covers two autumn race events with distinct formats: a Thanksgiving morning road race in Highland, Indiana, and a timed-lap run at Ferry Meadows near Peterborough. The Highland event commences at 9:00 a.m. CST from Highway Ave. & Kennedy Ave., concludes at Lincoln Center, and features a USATF-certified 10K run alongside a 5K walk. The 10K is characterized as flat, fast, competitive, and chip-timed, whereas the 5K walk is untimed and non-competitive. The Ferry Meadows event takes place in a large country park near Peterborough city centre, with participants selecting a six-hour window starting at 9:00 a.m. or a four-hour window beginning at 11:00 a.m. In Highland, both routes wind through local streets, and the race embraces its Thanksgiving theme with pumpkin pies awarded to top finishers in age groups, Athena, and Clydesdale categories, along with plaques for overall and masters champions. The 10K includes age divisions from 8 and under up to participants in their 80s, and is part of the Calumet Striders Gold Cup Elite Series. At Ferry Meadows, Zig Zag Running utilizes a 5.3K multi-terrain loop on gravel paths and grass, with a base camp, registration, water, and aid situated at the start and lap point. Runners may pause between laps, covering distances from 5K to an ultra, and can continue as long as they begin their final lap before the time limit expires; road shoes are generally suitable, though trail shoes may offer advantages on soft grass.