Staff writer
The Hillsboro First Mennonite Church’s annual Pumpkin Race had more runners than ever ran this weekend to raise money for Main Street Ministries.
Over 150 runners flocked to the church on the brisk Saturday morning. Of the two races that were hosted, 85 ran in the 5K at 9 a.m., and 65 kids ran in the ¼-mile race at 9:30 a.m. Race coordinator Kelly Linnens said the good weather allowed many runners to have personal best times.
“It was the perfect running weather, at least that’s what I thought,” he said. “I had many runners tell me it was their personal best run, which is great that they could do that and still just be running for fun.”
Aaron Yoder of Peabody completed the 5K in 15 minutes, 20 seconds to place first. Prizes for best costume were also awarded, with a man dressed up as Oscar the Grouch placing first.
“He ran the entire race with his hands in a trashcan,” Linnens said.
The church was able to donate 220 lbs of food to Main Street Ministries food bank. The final dollar amount to be donated has yet to be calculated.
“We know it will be a substantial amount because we had the best turnout ever,” he said. “I’m excited to see how much it is.”
Hillsboro Elementary School counselor Mike Moran signed up 40 students to compete in the kids race.
“Members of the running club and a couple of other students signed up to go,” he said. “It’s a wonderful event and the kids really enjoy it.”
Moran said he and running club students have participated in the race since its founding, and several kids placed at Saturday’s race.
“Kelly breaks the age groups into several age brackets so more kids can place,” Moran said. “One student rode his bike around town to show off his medal.”
One special education student ran the race with his dad said Moran.
“We’ve had a couple of students and their parents run together,” he said. “It’s just a nice family event.”