Desmond Meagley
Merritt College will host the Peralta Community College District’s inaugural Peralta Pumpkin Pursuit 5K run/walk on Oct. 18.
An Aug. 22 announcement from Peralta Gems read that the event will feature two routes through the Oakland hills: a five kilometer, or 3.1 mile, run for adults, as well as a one mile run for children 12 and under through the Oakland hills.
According to the Peralta Pumpkin Pursuit registration page, all proceeds from the event will go directly towards the Peralta Colleges Foundation, a nonprofit that provides Peralta students with scholarships and grants.
Online registration for the race will close on Oct. 17, while same day registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. The “Kids Trot” will start at 8:45 a.m. and the adult race will begin at 9:00 a.m.
According to a district-wide announcement from Oct. 3, Peralta students can enter the race for free, while non-student participants will have to pay an entry fee which varies depending on age. Attendees will receive a free custom T-shirt and two free drinks.
When attendees complete the race, the district will provide various activities for attendees of all ages. The top three finishers of the adults race will receive an award medal.
The district is also offering a virtual version of the marathon for participants who are not able to attend in person. The entry fee for the virtual version is $35 for all ages, which will include a custom T-shirt and a finisher medal.
Peralta Deputy Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer Greg Nelson said that the name “Peralta Pumpkin Pursuit” was inspired by the district’s tagline, “passion, purpose and possibilities.”
“It’s a great way to celebrate the district and celebrate community,” he said, adding that the only important rule for participants is just “to have fun.”
According to Nelson, the goal of the marathon is to fundraise $65,000 to $75,000 for the foundation and attract between 150 and 200 attendees. He added that there will be food trucks, fire trucks, radio stations, and music.
Registration is currently open at peraltapumpkinpursuit.itsyourrace.com.