3,600+ Youths Registered
Lincoln, NE (Sept. 22, 2026)— More than 3,600 young runners from more than 90 area elementary schools will participate in the 25th annual Pumpkin Run on Sunday, Sept. 27, in Lincoln’s West Haymarket. The one-mile fun run, recognized as the largest youth-only event of its kind in the nation, will begin near Canopy and P Streets and finish at the main entrance of Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Heats will begin at 10 a.m. and continue every 30 minutes through 12:30 p.m., organized by grade level.
Each registered runner will receive a 2026 Pumpkin Run medal and souvenir cup at the finish line. Following the race, participants and their families are invited inside Pinnacle Bank Arena to enjoy a vendor fair featuring games, giveaways and activities from more than 15 local businesses and organizations.
Registration is still open, and all event details—including the full heat schedule and course map—can be found at PumpkinRunLincoln.com
The event is made possible through the support of generous community sponsors. Blumenstock Family Eyecare, Home Real Estate, Runza, Black Hills Energy and Scheels are the presenting partners. Lincoln Pediatric Dentistry and Rallis & Bonilla Orthodontics are the medal & cup sponsors.
The Nebraska Sports Council is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to promote healthy and active lifestyle choices. Platinum Partners include Pepsi-Cola of Lincoln, Grand Island Tourism, FMNE Insurance and Nebraska Orthopaedic Center. Learn more at NebraskaSportsCouncil.com.