Here at JYAJ, we like to highlight the most unique parts of the running world that we can find. And one of the things that we really love are crazy races. 
Well, Staley Krause contacted me about this race which sounds like a real scream. It’s the Screaming Pumpkin Race which features a marathon, a 5K & 2 mile walk.
My favorite part is that you are not allowed to have any watch & the winner isn’t the person who finishes the fastest, it’s the one who finishes closest to midnight! Everyone has a chance to win. Here’s the race info.
Are You Ready to Scream?
Come take part in PATFC’s inaugural Screaming Pumpkin Prediction Marathon and Relay held on Halloween Eve, where running fast may help you escape from the zombies and ghouls, but it won’t necessarily win you the race!
The Screaming Pumpkin, Peoria Illinois’ first marathon event ever, promises to be one of the craziest, hilliest, and darkest running events in the country. Run by yourself, or with a team of 2 or 4. Either way, you’ll have no watch and no clock on the course: Just you, the cemetery and the night sky. Whoever finishes closest to midnight without going over, wins the race.
Participants can begin running anytime after 5:00 PM on October 30th, depending on the length of time they predict it will take them to complete the 26.2 mile distance before, or ideally, ON the stroke of midnight. Finishers who make it back alive before midnight, will receive a wand, a tiara and a finisher’s photo. Finishers who make it back alive after midnight will receive a pumpkin. The marathon course will close and all runners will be asked to leave the course at 1:00 AM. **Marathon and relay runners are guaranteed a long sleeve technical shirt and an orange Puma, fleece lined, dri-fit beanie cap. Entertainment provided by award-winning story teller Brian “Fox” Ellis.
If you’re in the Peoria, Il area then this might just be the race for you. I doubt I’ll make it since I’m doing the Hot Chocolate 15K the next day but I think I’ll add it to the calendar next year. Maybe I’ll even joggle with pumpkins.
You can register for the race by clicking this link.
Do you know of a wacky, crazy marathon or race? Leave a comment below and we’ll highlight it in an upcoming post.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
That sounds like a really fun race.
Thanks so much for the coverage! We hope to see you in Peoria next year! Of course, I’ve seen and been stunned into silence by you before in Chicago. By the way, I’m streaking too. On Day 495, I think! Of course I’m not juggling, just running or biking.
495, nice! I’m shooting for 1001 days. We’ll see if I stop when I get there.
Many thanks for putting up information on our event! We are very grateful for the PR, and hope to have you in Peoria sometime soon to participate in one of our races!! Good luck with your streak!