The Peralta Pumpkin Pursuit is an annual celebration of community spirit and fitness, bringing runners, walkers, and families together for a morning filled with fun and support. Hosted by the Peralta Colleges Foundation, this event aims to raise funds for student programs at Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College. The 5K/10K run/walk takes place on an extremely scenic course around Merritt College, offering breathtaking views of the entire Bay Area. Participants will enjoy a mix of flat terrain with some gentle hills, making it ideal for runners at all levels. The event also features a kids' one-mile run designed specifically for children aged 12 and under. Entry fees vary depending on age group and registration period: - For in-person participants ages 17 & under: $35 through September 30th; $40 October 1st - October 17th - Ages 18 & over: $45 through September 14th; $50 from September 15th - October 17th Virtual participants can also join in for a flat fee of $35, regardless of age. All entries include a custom event T-shirt and finisher medal. The day kicks off at 7:30 AM with check-in and race-day registration opening to ensure everyone is ready by the start time. The kids' trick or trot starts promptly at 8:45 AM followed by the main events beginning at 9:00 AM for both the 5K/10K run/walk. Post-race festivities include access to food trucks, a variety of activities for children, and information tables showcasing programs from each college. Food gardens open up around 9:30 AM providing ample time to relax and socialize after crossing the finish line. Awards are given out at 10:30 AM in recognition of top male and female overall winners in the 5K race, while all kids' participants receive a finisher's medal. Parking is conveniently located in Lot C on campus with clear signage directing attendees to designated areas. Join us for an unforgettable day filled with community spirit, scenic views, and heartfelt support as we celebrate together at Merritt College!
Races Offered
1 Mile In-Person (ages 12 & Under)
Oct 17, 2026
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Distance —
1.6K
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Type —
Running
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15 days remaining
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$25.00 (+$3.50 fee)
10K - In-Person Student
Oct 17, 2026
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Distance —
10K
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Type —
Running
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15 days remaining
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$0.00
10K - Virtual
Oct 17, 2026
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Distance —
10K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
15 days remaining
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$35.00 (+$3.85 fee)
10K In-Person (Ages 17 & Under)
Oct 17, 2026
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Distance —
10K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
15 days remaining
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$25.00 (+$3.50 fee)
10K In-Person (ages 18 & over)
Oct 17, 2026
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Distance —
10K
terrain
Type —
Running
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15 days remaining
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$35.00 (+$3.85 fee)
5K - Virtual
Oct 17, 2026
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Distance —
5K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
15 days remaining
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$35.00 (+$3.85 fee)
5K In-Person (Ages 17 & Under)
Oct 17, 2026
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Distance —
5K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
15 days remaining
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$25.00 (+$3.50 fee)
5K In-Person (ages 18 & over)
Oct 17, 2026
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Distance —
5K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
15 days remaining
sell
$35.00 (+$3.85 fee)
5K In-Person Student
Oct 17, 2026
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Distance —
5K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
15 days remaining
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$0.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for October in Oakland.
thermostatTemperature
12.8° / 24.0°
wb_sunnyFeels like
11.7° / 22.2°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
9h 37m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
0.7 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
7.6 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Moderate
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (4.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
69.7%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
07:18
nightlight
Sunset
18:29
About Oakland
Learn more about the host city, Oakland.
Oakland is a port city in the Bay Area of California in the United States. Once an industrial area overshadowed by San Francisco, its larger neighbor to the west, this city of 440,000 people (2020) has begun to step out from under San Francisco's shadow with its notable natural and architectural features and its rise as the multicultural "hipster" city of the Bay Area.
