26th Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge Supporting Saratoga Bridges

Saratoga Bridges’ 26th Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge 5K, 10K, and Kids Fun Run will return on Saturday, September 26th at 9:30 a.m. at the Columbia Pavillion in Saratoga Spa State Park. This family and wheeled-friendly event is for all ghosts and ghouls who want to run, walk, or roll their way to victory.

The 5K and 10K races will start promptly at 9:30 a.m., but runners can arrive earlier to check their bags and pick up their race packet if they are unable to the Friday before. While waiting for the race to begin, runners can also vote in the pumpkin decorating contest, each pumpkin having been decorated by people in Saratoga Bridges’ Day Programs.

Following the race, participants can relax in the pavilion and enjoy delicious baked goods and fresh fruits, donated by local businesses and made by people in Saratoga Bridges’ residential program. The Kids Fun Run will take place after the 5K and 10K, which has children complete a short run that ends at the finish line.

Once the results are finalized, there will be a quick awards ceremony for the overall winners and top male and female runners in each age group. There will also be a costume contest, so runners are encouraged to dress in their best Halloween costumes for a chance to win. The first 1,200 registrants will receive a moisture-wicking long sleeve t-shirt with the race logo.

After the race, runners can bring their Great Pumpkin Challenge race bib to Druthers in downtown Saratoga Springs for a free beer. This offer is only valid on race day, September 26th, 2026.

To register for the 26th Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge, visit www.saratogabridges.org and click on the Great Pumpkin Challenge button on the home page. 

The registration fee is $30 through September 14th; registrations after that date will be $35 through September 23rd, when online registration ends at 5pm. Registration for virtual runners is $35 per person, and kids can participate in the Kids Fun Run for only $10.

The Great Pumpkin Challenge is the last of Saratoga Bridges’ four annual fundraising events. Funds raised from the run will directly benefit Saratoga Bridges’ programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Saratoga County.

For more information about the Great Pumpkin Challenge, please contact Saratoga Bridges at (518) 587-0723 ext. 7625 or via email at info@saratogabridges.org.