Great Pumpkin Run for Research takes place Oct. 30 at Gold Dome

great pumpkin run 2009
Runners wait for the start of the 2009 Great Pumpkin Run for Research

SHREVEPORT, La. (Centenary News Service) — It is time to dust off the running and walking shoes and take part in the 14th Annual Great Pumpkin Run for Research, Saturday, October 30 at the Gold Dome on the Centenary College campus.

Sponsored by the Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Sportspectrum Race Management and Centenary College, the race-day activities start at 8 a.m. with a 1/2 mile kids run, followed by the 5K run and health walk beginning at 8:30 a.m. The flat and scenic course will take place in the neighborhoods behind the Gold Dome.

Pre-registration for the 5K run by October 15 is $15, increasing to $18 until October 29. Race-day registration is $20. The half-mile kids' run registration is $10 before October 15, and then increases to $15. All proceeds stay in the community to support local cancer research. Registration is available online or at Sportspectrum, located at 6970 Fern Avenue at E. 70th Street in Shreveport.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the teams with the most registered runners. Prizes are $250, $150 & $100. There will be a costume contest in addition to fantastic prizes for the overall winner and runner up. Age group trophies will also be awarded to 1st and 2nd place in standard 5-year age groups for male and female participants.

Every pre-registered participant will receive an official 2010 "Great Pumpkin Run" long sleeve T-shirt, with shirts limited to the first 500 registered runners.

The crisp, fall morning weather sets the mood perfectly for the family-oriented festivities before, during and after the run! Activities include Halloween costume contest, pumpkin carving contest, face painting, anti-tobacco and healthy lifestyle awareness for cancer prevention. Registered participants will have the opportunity to take part in the first FREE cancer screening at this year's run. Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Screening will be provided by the LSUHSC-S Department of Otolaryngology/ENT Oncology.

For more information, call 318.813.1056.

About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and has been recognized as "One of the Best 371 Colleges" by the Princeton Review and one of "America's Best Colleges" and one of "America's Best Private Colleges" by Forbes.com. In 2008 Centenary College celebrated 100 years in Shreveport and Bossier City.