Pumpkin Dash 2025

The Pumpkin Dash, a free cross-country running festival, takes place Saturday, October 4 at Hoover Park in Sterling.
The event features bounce houses, a petting zoo, hayrack rides, face painting, and entertainment by “The Amazer” Jeremy Haak. The Whiteside County Sheriff’s Department and CGH Ambulance Tours will also be on-site. Races begin at 10 a.m. for Pee Wees (age 2 and under), with staggered heats through noon for ages up to 12. The first 1,000 runners receive a small pumpkin and candy, with large pumpkins awarded to heat winners (except Pee Wees). Hot dogs, bottled water, and chips are provided courtesy of the Sterling Optimists Club. On-site registration starts at 9 a.m