The Joplin RoadRunners' 43rd Annual Pumpkin Run takes place at the Leggett & Platt Corporate Building front parking lot in Carthage, Missouri on October 25, 2026. Runners can choose from four distances: 1 mile, 2 miles, 8K, or 10 miles. The race starts at 2:00 PM, making it an afternoon event. Entry fees range from $25 to $75 depending on distance selected. If travel plans change or you prefer to race remotely, a virtual participation option is available, allowing you to complete your chosen distance on your own schedule and submit results. This is an established event in its 43rd year, organized by the local running community.
From the Race Organizer
Race Info All races will start and end at the Leggett & Platt parking lot and be held almost entirely on Leggett Rd and on the Ruby Jack trail. For course and elevation maps please see: 2M: https://www.strava.com/routes/3271892636002304166 8K (5M): https://www.strava.com/routes/3271894162988502182 10M (2 x 5M out-and-back): https://www.strava.com/routes/3271894162988502182 Prizes are pumpkins, big and small, decorated by the kids at the Early Learning Center! Largest prize-pumpkins for the top male and female clock-times in 2M, 8K and 10M races. Participation pumpkins to first 100 finishers. 10M race is the RRCA State Championship race at this distance. RRCA winner medals to M/F Overall, 40+, 50+ and 60+ Cash awards : $100 for overall M/F; $50 for 40+, 50+ and 60+ winners Participants will receive a certified time for any certified distance they complete (2M, 5M/8K and 10M) and will qualify for listing on MO staterunningrecords.com and on KCRunningClub.com; 1M run is ½ mile out-and-back: no chip time, participation awards only; 2M run is 1 mile out-and-back: chip timed and qualify for all awards; 8K/5M run is 2.5M out-and-back; chip timed and qualify for all awards; 10M is two loops on 5M course: chip-timed and qualify for all awards; 5M chip time will count as 8K certified time and will be listed as 8K if qualifying as an age record; Cut-off time for 10M runners is 1:15h at halfway 5M point (15mins/mile pace). Other Awards: Age group winners (up to 3 deep depending on age group participation) Age groups in the 2M are: -12; 13-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70+ Age groups in the 8K and 10M are: -19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70+ Awards to top-3 age-graded winners in 2M, 8K and 10M Awards for each MO age/gender record set. 2M award ceremony immediately following end of the 2M race and prior to 3:30pm races Quality tech long-sleeve running shirt or hoodie is optional Race direction by Joplin RoadRunners with corporate support by Blue Buffalo. Course is flat, fast and beautifully shaded this time of the year, perfect for walkers and runners alike. Drawing among all participants and volunteers for ten $25 gift certificates by “The RunAround” running store. Must be present to win. Finish line entertainment by “Resonation”; Vendors will sell refreshments; Finish line photos by JV Photography are available for free download after the race. Check our Facebook event page for latest updates: facebook.com/JoplinRoadRunners/events Virtual runs: need to be submitted through RunSignup or via email at info@joplinroadrunners.com T-shirt is complementary with all virtual registrations. Age-Graded% score, participation medal as well as T-shirt which will be mailed to all virtual participants Dogs and strollers ARE allowed in the 1M and 2M runs only (dogs on non-retractable leash only).
Hotels Near This Race
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Joplin RoadRunners’ 43rd Annual Pumpkin Run 2026 — Carthage, MO
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for October 25.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Carthage, MO.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Joplin RoadRunners’ 43rd Annual Pumpkin Run 2026 — Carthage, MO?
Joplin RoadRunners’ 43rd Annual Pumpkin Run 2026 — Carthage, MO takes place on October 25, 2026. The race is held in Carthage, Missouri.
Where is Joplin RoadRunners’ 43rd Annual Pumpkin Run 2026 — Carthage, MO held?
Joplin RoadRunners’ 43rd Annual Pumpkin Run 2026 — Carthage, MO is held at Leggett & Platt Corporate Building - front parking lot (adjacent to Leggett Rd) in Carthage, Missouri.
Where can I find hotels near Joplin RoadRunners’ 43rd Annual Pumpkin Run 2026 — Carthage, MO?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Carthage. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
