Submitted by Allison Behnke
(October 31, 2023) — Despite the rain and cold, the annual Pumpkin Run, Haddam Killingworth Youth & Family Services’ major fundraiser, was a big success and a lot of fun!
Runners, spectators, sponsors, and volunteers started arriving at the Haddam Killingworth High School track, some in costume, to grab their bibs, and warm up for the 9:00 a.m. race. More than 200 participants signed up for the race and Higganum welcomed 170 on race day.
The first runner to cross the finish line was Kevin Guaman, age 19, (photo above, right) and the first woman to cross the finish line was Alli Behnke, Higganum resident (photo above, left).
JB Sports managed this year’s race. The volunteer support was absolutely incredible, including many youth and adults from the HK community! They made individual grab-and-go bags for each runner, which included water and snacks. Volunteers were also scattered along the course to direct runners. This event could not happen without their support and effort.
Robert McGarry, Haddam First Selectman, and Nancy Gorski, Killingworth First Selectwoman, were joined by Jane Baird, HKYFS Board Chair, to welcome runners, thank sponsors, and kick off the races.
After the 5k, there were two Fun Runs for kids. There was a one-lap version (1/4 mile), and a two-lap version (1/2 mile). Twenty-six children participated in the one-lap Fun Run, and 12 children participated in the two-lap Fun Run. Each of the participants in those received a finisher’s ribbon.
Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all race sponsors, volunteers, runners, board members, and town officials who came out to support the Pumpkin Run and the work of the agency to support youth and families.
5k Results
Top three male finishers:
- Kevin Guaman, age 19, 18:08
- Coby Emshwiller, age 38, 19:26
- Fischer Norton, age 13, 19:45
Top three female finishers:
- Alli Behnke, age 43, 22:03
- Shantel Hanson, age 26, 22:53
- Sarah Koladis, age 40 , 23:49
HK Youth & Family Services would like to thank the following sponsors and donors:
Title Sponsor:
Connecticut State Grange #124
Race Sponsors:
Coach and Carol Dupuis
Mikes’ Auto Service
Nutmeg Pharmacy
Jogger Sponsors:
Tanya Bottaro/The Huscher Group
Fireworks Hearth and Home
The Holmes Family
Sarah McMillan/Our Home Realty Advisors
New Image Auto
Northeast Diesel
Offerdahl, Emerson, and Co.
Sensorworx
Sprinter Sponsors:
Cathy Lynch
Dutch Oil
Hangry Goose
Higganum Hardware
Hillcrest Agency
HK Health and Fitness
Integrated Dermatology Group
Jack’s Country Restaurant
Kardas Larson, LLC
Karen Perry at Law
Kelly Family Orthodontics
Killingworth Pharmacy
Langer Landscapes
Lippincott Construction
Parker Benjamin/Scovil Hoe
RWC, LLC Attorneys and Counselors at Law
Sitter Connect
Teri’s Package Store
Tower Labs
Photos by Allison Behnke
