Lincoln, Neb. (May 28, 2026) —The Nebraska Sports Council (NSC) has officially opened registration for two exciting fall events: Pumpkin Run and Nebraska NetFest Pickleball. The Nebraska NetFest Singles & Mixed Doubles Pickleball Championships will be held October 16-18 at the Kearney SportsPlex in Kearney. The Pumpkin Run date will be announced soon, but registration is already open, so don’t miss your chance to secure your spot early!
Now in its fourth year, Nebraska NetFest Pickleball welcomes players ages 16 and older to compete in a variety of individual and team divisions. The tournament begins Friday, October 16, with open singles at 5:30 p.m., followed by two days of mixed doubles competition on October 17-18. Each division will begin with pool play before advancing into tournament-style brackets. Custom Nebraska NetFest Pickleball medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in every division.
Early registration is encouraged, as divisions are limited to 12 players or teams per division. For more information or to register, visit NebraskaSportsCouncil.com.
Nebraska NetFest Volleyball will also be taking place the same weekend, registration information will be announced at a later date.
The Pumpkin Run is a one-mile youth fun run for elementary-aged children and is one of the largest events of its kind in the nation. Every participant receives a finisher medal, cup, drink and snack following the race.
For more information or to register, visit PumpkinRunLincoln.com.
For just $10 you can help a child participate in the 2026 Pumpkin Run with the Adopt a Runner program. To learn more and to donate, click here.
Nebraska Netfest Pickleball is presented by Visit Kearney and is hosted by Kearney SportsPlex and the City of Kearney Park and Recreation. Additional local partners include AKRS Equipment / John Deere, New West Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery, Sukup Manufacturing Co./ Ramco, Edgewater Insurance + Real Estate, The Chicken Coop and MCL Construction.
The Pumpkin Run is presented by Black Hills Energy, HOME Real Estate, Runza, Scheels and Blumenstock Family Eyecare. Medal and Cup sponsors are Lincoln Pediatric Dentistry and Rallis & Bonilla Orthodontics.
Nebraska NetFest and the Pumpkin Run are conducted by the Nebraska Sports Council, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization with a mission of providing quality competition for amateur athletes of all ages and abilities and promoting healthy and active lifestyle choices.
Platinum partners include FMNE Insurance, Grand Island Tourism, Nebraska Orthopaedic Center and Pepsi-Cola of Lincoln.