This is an exciting week for the Pumpkin Run! Thanks to the hard work and efforts of many talented individuals and for the generosity of Digital Evolution Group, we are launching our new website. The site has been refreshed and updated with a new look and feel. With all of the changes that have taken place with the site and the run/walk itself, one thing hasn’t changed: that is our mission to honor the lives of Jared and Jayne; to create an event that celebrates family and community; to raise funds for research and organizations that support cancer patients and their families.

This has been an emotional journey for me and my family. I would give anything to have Jayne and Jared by my side. I wish there was never a reason to start the Pumpkin Run. When I look back on the previous 13 years of this event I realize how important it has been become to me, my family and friends. This event has helped heal my broken heart and allowed me to share Jared and Jayne’s story with others. I tell people all the time how amazing it is after all these years since Jared and Jayne have been in Heaven they continue to touch people’s lives on this earth. Even through the heartache and sadness I realize how blessed I have been.

One of the many things I love about this event is seeing the families participating together. We have received incredible support from the Olathe community including Black Bob Elementary School. They have hosted our event since the beginning. The Olathe School district has been a significant part of our growth with the running clubs from the different schools. I love seeing the school spirit and the different club names and t-shirts on race day. My hope is this will lead to a lifetime of health and fitness for these children and their families.

Finally, not only have we been successful in creating an event that celebrates family and community, we have raised a lot of money to help several local charities and organizations. Over $400,000 has been donated locally in Jared and Jayne’s name to help cancer patients and their families. This has been accomplished over the years through the hard work and efforts of many people and generous sponsors. The heart of this effort is the Pumpkin Run planning committee. This volunteer group of people works tirelessly throughout the year to ensure we have a first class event and the money we raise goes to the organizations that we support. They donate their time, efforts and talent to ensure your Pumpkin Run experience is memorable.

I get a lot of comments about our race being personal. I love hearing that feedback. I don’t know how you make an event with 4,000 people personal but we have tried. Our goal is not to have the biggest event in the city or raise the most money. Our mission has always been about honoring the lives of two very special people. Along the way some amazing things have happened.

Thank you for your support of the Pumpkin Run. Check out our new website. I am looking forward to another great event. I hope you can join us.

Tom