Saratoga Bridges Hosts the 25th Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge 5K and 10K
Saratoga Bridges is gearing up to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the beloved, family-friendly Great Pumpkin Challenge 5K, 10K, and Kids Fun Run! The Great Pumpkin Challenge began in October of 2000 with just over 100 runners passionate about raising funds for Saratoga Bridges’ programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Since then, the Halloween-themed race has gained popularity throughout the Capital Region, hosting as many as 2,000 runners and walkers from all over New York State and beyond.
Saratoga Bridges hosts four annual fundraisers each year to raise much needed funds for programs and services not funded through Medicaid or New York State, such as their arts programs and Family Support Services. The Great Pumpkin Challenge is the last of the four fundraisers for the organization, which will take place on Saturday, September 27th at Saratoga Spa State Park. The event also includes a costume contest and voting for the pumpkin decorating contest, with pumpkins decorated by people receiving services from Saratoga Bridges.
The 5K and 10K race starts at 9:30 am, but runners are encouraged to stop by early and enjoy the delicious baked goods, fresh fruits, and more donated by local businesses and made by Saratoga Bridges’ very own residential houses. Once they’ve completed the run, participants can relax in the pavilion and help themselves to more treats while awaiting the results of the race. After the 5K and 10K races, the Kids Fun Run will take place! Once the results are finalized, there will be an awards ceremony where the overall winners and top runners in each age group will be announced.
The first 1,200 registrants will receive a long sleeve T-shirt with the special 25th Anniversary race logo. This year, after the race, runners may bring their Great Pumpkin Challenge race bib to Druthers in downtown Saratoga Springs for a free beer! Valid only on race day, September 27, 2025.
“We are thrilled to be celebrating the 25th year of this special event,” shared Jane Mastaitis, Saratoga Bridges CEO. Mastaitis has been a part of the race since its inception. “Part of what makes the Great Pumpkin Challenge unique is that the 5K and 10K both start at the same time. Everyone runs the 5K together, then the 5K runners peel off to the finish line and the 10K runners keep going. This is great when you have people in the same group or family running different races. The race is wonderful for families, friends, and coworkers to get together and enjoy a beautiful fall day in the park. There’s something for everyone at the Great Pumpkin Challenge, and we look forward to this great day for a great cause!”
To register for the 25th Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge, visit www.saratogabridges.org and click on the Great Pumpkin Challenge button on the home page. The registration fee is $25 through September 14th; any registrations after that date will be $30 through September 23rd, when online registration ends at 5pm. Registration for virtual runners is $30 per person and kids can participate in the Kids Fun Run for only $10!
Saratoga Bridges, A Chapter of the Arc, New York, has been a steady resource and champion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Saratoga County since its inception in 1953, after a group of parents worked together to create a rightful place in society for their children. Today, Saratoga Bridges provides housing, day services, transportation, clinical care, employment coaching, family support, arts classes, and more to over 600 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in Saratoga County.