Frosty Forest 5K

🚑🏃‍♂️ Welcome back to the mean streets and hills of Derby!

Join Derby’s Storm Engine Company Ambulance & Rescue Corps for the 2026 Ambulance Driver 5K — a summer evening run packed with great swag, good friends, wings, and community pride.

📅 Race Date

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

📍 Location

BADSONS BREWERY

251 Roosevelt Dr

Derby, Connecticut

🔥 Why Run This Race?

Because where else can you run a 5K, earn a medal, eat wings, drink a beer, and support EMS and rescue services — all in one night?

🎽 What You Get With Registration

• Short-sleeve technical race shirt (register early to guarantee your shirt)

• 🏅 Finisher medal

• 🎁 Goodie bag packed with swag

• 💪 Bragging rights for surviving the Derby hills

🏆 Awards

• Overall top first responder

• Top first responder by division

• 🆕 New for 2026: Age group awards

👟 Kids Fun Run – Returning for 2026

Back by popular demand!

• 1/2 mile down-and-back course

• Open to runners 12 and under

• 🚒 Hosted by the members of Storm Engine Company #2

• 🏅 All finishers receive a medal and a fire safety swag bag

Post-Race Fun (Because You Earned It)

• 🍺 Runners 21+ receive one free draft beer from BADSONS Brewery

• 🍗 The first 250 registered runners receive 10 free wings from the Dew Drop Inn

• 🎉 Official after-party at BADSONS Brewery

• 🔥 Swing by the Dew Drop Inn after the race to grab your favorite wing flavors

Course Extras

• 🚰 Water stop on course

• 💦 Optional sprinkler station to beat the July heat

• 🇺🇸 Start and finish under an oversized Old Glory proudly provided by the Derby Fire Department

Yes… it looks as cool as it sounds.

🎟️ Packet Pickup

Skip race-day chaos and grab your packet early.

📆 Packet pickup dates and times will be announced closer to race day.

Future you will thank you for not pinning a bib on 30 seconds before the start 😅

Proceeds from the Ambulance Driver 5K support the operations, training, and lifesaving equipment of Derby’s Storm Engine Company Ambulance & Rescue Corps, proudly serving the community since 1948.

We welcome you to the 15th edition of our great event which we continue to hold at the Walnut Beach Pavilion! Because the race is in October, the Fall leaves will have begun to change. It's a beautiful time of year to get out and enjoy the crisp air. And you'll be helping an amazing cause!

We're also bringing back our exciting gift certificate raffle this year that will include many local restaurants.

Our course is designed for all abilities of runners and walkers. Flat scenic roads except for one minor incline at the beginning that start and finish near the beach. You’ll be able to run fast, or easy, or walk comfortably at any pace.

There is plentiful parking available in the Beach parking lot.

This Year's Project:

A Rwimi secondary school with about 2,000 girls and boys have depended on a very dangerous stream to provide their water needs. The stream has claimed the lives of several students and locals as they stooped to fetch the dirty water. We can help by drilling a new well and constructing a water delivery system. With your assistance we can change the lives of so many.

The areas where we drill our wells are very rural. Kids typically walk miles each day to and from the watering hole to fetch water for drinking, bathing and cooking. Unfortunately, the villagers share the water source with various animals so they have to boil it before using it. With your help, we can make this possible!

As always your contributions are fully tax deductible. We are approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) organization.

Events:

5K Course (3.1miles) is a computer timed event which you can RUN OR WALK. Participants will need to complete the entire 3.1 mile course to be scored in results. This event offers awards to the overall male and female champions as well as age group awards. If you walk this distance, you will be grouped into all finishers and be eligible for awards.

One mile (approx) WALK ONLY is an untimed event. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the beaches while walking at any pace from a stroll to a power walk! There are NO Awards for this non-competitive event.

Our kids fun run is FREE for 12 years of age and under only. A 1/10 mile course will be offered (parents can accompany if needed).

Registration (online only):

Apr 15 - Oct 3

$30 ages 19 & over

$20 ages 18 & under

Oct 4

$35 - ages 19 & over

$22 - ages 18 & under

Sept 22nd is the t-shirt size deadline - only ‘if available’ from this date.

Race Day Schedule:

7:30-8:45am - Pre-reg pickup, shirts & late reg

8:45am - Free kids run directed by Donna “Kids Queen” Cramond

9:00am - 5K Timed run or walk AND one mile untimed walk,

both start together

Snacks & water, raffle and awards to follow.

AWARDS: 1st M & F, 1st, 2nd, 3rd in age groups 9 & under, 10-15, 16-19, then 10 year brackets through 80+

WELCOME TO THE 36th CONSECUTIVE YEAR OF THE GREAT PUMPKIN CLASSIC!!!

PLEASE HELP US CELEBRATE OUR AMAZING EVENT-

STARTED IN 1991 BY OUR RACE DIRECTOR MARTY SCHAIVONE -

A BIOLOGY TEACHER AT THS (1977-2012)

It's difficult to remember that far back - none of us were thinking how long this 5k would last.

But 349 people started on a journey that has continued to raise money for the

Trumbull High Scholarship Foundation for 35 years.

Marty has retired from THS, a lot has changed, but the reputation built over 3+ decades is solidly in place.

We are planning a party and we hope you'll be part of it.

Our food has always been a large part of the attraction.

Back again- PLASKO’S Farm Cider Donuts will also be with us for your enjoyment!

Village Bagels with pumpkin mini bagels. And lots more snacks.

WE ORDERED 450 SHIRTS & sold out last year so don't wait.

Sign up fast and have a chance for our long sleeve beauty!

Guaranteed sizing ends 10/4, after that ‘as available’

OUR GOLD LEVEL 2025 SPONSORS

*My Smile Orthodontics https://www.mysmilect.com/

*River Road Pediatric Dentistry https://www.riverroadkids.com/

*Link Crew - Trumbull High School

*ODIN Capital Partners

*Anonymous!!

Supporting Sponsors 2025

*Refine Fitness Trumbull.

*Stop & Shop- Trumbull

In Kind Partners 2025

PLASKO'S Farm and Creamery

NEW AMRITA Protein bars - https://www.amritahealthfoods.com/

AWARDS SPONSORS

*Trader Joes Fairfield- 'Grand Prize Table'

*Marathon Sports of Fairfield - gift cards

It’s 2026 and for the 36th time we will be hosting THE Great Pumpkin Classic 5K Run!

Last year the Great Pumpkin was blessed with a beautiful Fall day, and we had a blast!

We have had a race every year since 1991. Even in Covid 2020 we were able to host the

“Pumpkin Reboot” in November to celebrate our 30th year!

More than 20 people of the 349 finishers from our first GPC in 1991 joined us for the historic occasion.

Last year many returned again to celebrate our 35th !

We will use the same course as the last six years. This route is very much like our original course

from 1991 with a bit of an uphill the first mile. See the map link and details below.

The untimed Walk For Health will again be an easy 1.7mi.

The Kids Fun Run will be on the nice, flat track! And as good as ever thanks to Jon Dizney and his team.

The run, walk & kids committees, sponsors, and volunteers truly appreciate you joining us as we return to THS.

You will be helping to add to our proceeds which have totaled over $340,000 in scholarships since our start in 1991.

Our charities include the Trumbull High School Scholarship Foundation and the Trumbull Schools PTSA.

Please help us and donate any extra you can for our students that need the help of our foundation!

PLEASE PRE REGISTER ONLINE ASAP to avoid race day stress and TO ENSURE SHIRT SIZING & AVAILABILITY.

Online registration only on event day - it ends five minutes before the start.

EVENT FEES:

The 5k is a 3.1mi distance and a computer chip-timed event. Awards only for this event.

Participants of all abilities are welcome to run or walk this event.

REG IS ONLINE ONLY. EVEN RACE DAY IF WE ARE NOT SOLD OUT.

5K 19 & over 18 & under

2/14 - 4/30 $28 $20 (just about 1991 pricing!)

5/1 - 7/31 $31 $23

8/1 - 10/4 $34 $26

10/5 - 10/10 $37 $28

10/11 - 10/18 $40 $30

NO PAPER/NO CASH on site on event day

1.7 MILE WALK - this event is not timed- there are no awards

2/14 - 4/30 $28 for 19 & over, $20 for 18 & under

5/1 - 10/4 $31 / $23

10/5-10/18 $35 / $25

REG IS ONLINE ONLY. NO PAPER or CASH

KIDS FUN RUNS - varying distances and not timed. Kids get a shirt, finishing medal & snack!!

4/4-10/12 $15 10/13-10/19 $18 Note- shirts for the kids run could sell out ahead of time!

CALENDAR

2/14 Registration opens

10/4 Guaranteed shirt sizing ends. After that ‘as available’ and we could definitely run out!

10/17 Early pickup 8:30-10:30am in the front (right side) foyer of Trumbull High School

10/18 EVENT DAY - ALL REG IS ONLINE ONLY - NO PAPER & NO CASH

7:30 am Pickup & late reg online only for the 5k & walk - in the THS cafeteria

7:45 am Pickup & reg for the kids runs - on the track at the football field

8:10 am Kids Runs - various distances for age groups on the THS track

8:50 am Introductions, THS Men's & Women’s Ensemble sing the National Anthem

START LOCATION -

On the driveway of the 'A House' side of the building- near the big lot. Look for the start banner!

9:00 am GREAT PUMPKIN CLASSIC 5K & untimed 1.7mi Walk START

9:30 am POST RACE Party - FEATURING PLASKO'S FARM APPLE CIDER & PUMPKIN DONUTS!

Plus more Snacks, fruits & fluids OUTSIDE NEAR THE START/Finish

10:00 am 5K Awards & prizes from Trader Joe’s & Marathon Sports.

Introduction of guests - outside near the finish, weather permitting.

TRADER JOES FAIRFIELD 5K AWARDS - AWESOME MERCHANDISE AND TJ's PRODUCTS TO CHOOSE FROM!

1st, 2nd & 3rd in age groups 9 & under, 10-13, 14-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+

MARATHON SPORTS 5K AWARDS- 1st M&F champions $50 gift card each, 1st in age groups 19 and above ($20 GC)

5K TROPHIES & MEDALS 1st, 2nd, 3rd for age groups 9 & under, 10-13, 14-18

SWAG- long sleeve shirts as available for 5K & walk.

We may add other items from sponsors- like fall/Halloween socks!

Please note- Supply chain issues, tariffs and craziness are always a part of our lives.

T-shirts are included in this dilemma. We may need to switch to a different ‘give away’ later

in the pickup process without any warning. We appreciate your understanding.

5k COURSE - https://onthegomap.com/s/a8jgjd8a

you can run it, walk it, or any combination thereof. It has some hills,

flat spots, and a GREAT DOWNHILL from 1 mile to 1.3mi that everyone seems to forget about...

it is Trumbull so enjoy the scenery.

This course is actually a throwback. Over 75% of it is from the original 1991 course!

It has some changes (at the suggestion of the TPD)

and it does bring back the famous "Laurie Rd hill" that will challenge you in the last mile.

But don't worry, the last 6/10 mi is downhill and flat!

NOTE- due to safety issues or a lack of volunteers there may not be any water stop on the course with open water cups.

Please be prepared to pre-hydrate and carry your own fluids and NOT drop anything along our neighborhood!

The 1.7mi non-timed walk only course- https://onthegomap.com/s/3bu3pkfo

It’s PRETTY DARN FLAT the whole way!

The kids runs are on the track! YES, THE TRACK IS STILL FLAT

WE THANK THE LINK CREW AT THS AS A GOLD LEVEL PARTNER

Link Crew is a program that focuses on helping incoming freshmen transition to the high school by providing guidance from trained upperclassmen.

We support freshmen as we share and face challenges together. We run programs and events through the year to help freshmen have the best

possible experience (social, emotional and academic) at THS.

Link Crew offers the opportunity to give back by fostering a welcoming atmosphere for freshmen and by nurturing leadership roles for our upperclassmen.

Some of our annual events:

Freshmen Orientation, Bus Helpers, Advisory Assistants Academic visits to freshman classes,

8th Grade Open House, Leader contact to share upcoming events,

Raffles and Awards for Outstanding Freshmen, Pumpkin Run sponsor for THS scholarships,

Cocoa & Cram Exam support, Support clubs, activities, and memorials throughout the school year,

Offer Link Crew Scholarship(s), Tour guides for all new students, Freshman Field day

LOCATION & PARKING DETAILS- at Hillcrest Middle School (the best spot if you want to get out fast after you are done!),

or the back lot of Trumbull High, and the football side lot of Trumbull High.

The driveway between THS & Hillcrest Middle School will be closed at 8:45 am for the safety of our runners on course.

Police will be on duty at the lot and at key intersections on the course.

A BIT OF HISTORY-

The temperature was in the low 60's, warm for a late Fall run. It started at 10 am on Sunday, Oct 27, 1991,

with Biology Teacher (now retired) Marty Schaivone yelling "GO!". The inaugural 5k run had 349 finishers-

a very high number for a new, local event.

Pat Swift and Allison Suchenski (Trumbull High alum) were the inaugural champions.

Within a few years, it became one of the top races in CT reaching a high of over 800 registrations in the late '90s.

It was redesigned as a four mile course in 1993 to acommodate a unique State Championship and stayed that way till 2016.

Featured runners included the iconic Bill Rogers, top American Laura Mykotok, two Olympians, and champions from six different countries!

Residents from nearly all 169 towns in CT have finished our event. It also played host to an amazing

“Marisa’s Restaurant Community Pasta Party” the night before for over 10 years.

THANK YOU ALL- As we celebrate our 36th year we thank our past and current school administrators,

faculty, students, neighbors, and friends who have contributed immeasurably.

The countless committee members that have helped keep the GPC alive and fun.

We thank YOU for joining us on any level whether live, virtual or as a donor.

Our students will benefit from your commitment.

WE WELCOME SPONSOR PARTNERS AT ANY LEVEL.

There are many opportunities and a great need to cover our costs for shirts, timing, facilities, police, food and much more.

Every partner helps us to donate to our scholarship fund, clubs teams, and the students involved. Sponsor a mile!

Or the starting line. Or help the student fundraising teams.

Get your name on the shirts or even the bibs. Become a ‘named’ sponsor underneath the Great Pumpkin Classic!

There’s a lot to choose from.

SPONSOR CONTACT Marty Schaivone [email protected] ASAP!

We will keep this site updated and let all pre-registered know what’s going on.

If we are forced to go virtual please understand we can’t refund your registration.

We purchase shirts, bibs, pins, etc., at least two weeks in advance. We pay nonrefundable deposits

on some items and buy food and fluids ahead of time.

IF THE PUMPKIN GOES VIRTUAL

This will occur only if mandated by Federal, State, Local, or School administrators. Your health and safety are our top priority.

We understand that this event has a great impact on the community, supports many wonderful causes, and is great for the town of Trumbull.

We encourage you to participate this year in a meaningful way and do so on your own terms.

You may decide to go virtual on your own though you entered to run or walk in person.

If you chose to do this you will be able to enter your time and see where you stack up! Just let us know.

If you decide on your own to participate in a virtual form we would still appreciate it if you could pick up your swag ahead of time.

It is difficult and very costly to mail these items. We will do our best to drop off locally after the event.

MSRP helps to direct over 30 other events which raised over $250,000 for charities last year.

Other events in Trumbull include the Cow Chip Cross Country Run, Jingle Bell Run, & Trumbull Sunset.

Other races in the area include the Colony Grill Hot Oil 5K, the Bigelow Tea 5K, and the Beach Bunny 5K in Fairfield.

In Stratford we direct The Turkey Trot, Little Pub Margarita run, Happy HalloWINE, Holiday Toy Run & five more.

(and many others in Milford, Bridgeport, Westport & beyond).

The 2026 MSRP schedule link will be posted soon

ALL MSRP EVENTS CAN BE FOUND ON www.runsignup.com

THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS AND THEIR DONATIONS TO THE TRUMBULL HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION

we were able to donate $8,000 to the THS Scholarship Foundation!!