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Big turnout for Kent’s 46th Pumpkin Run

KENT —Kent’s largest one-day community event, the Pumpkin Run,  drew hundreds of competitors to Kent Green on a clear autumn afternoon, Sunday, Oct. 30. It was the 46th year of the event.

Over 300 competed in the 5-mile race through the village. Many racers were also competing in the concurrent costume contest, creating a festive scene as runners toured the town.

“We love to see such a great turn out,” said race director Dave Dunleavy.

The runners took to the starting line at noon and as the cannon shuddered, they were off.

The race led runners north along Route 7, east on Cobble Lane, south on Cobble Road, and west on Route 341 before rejoining Route 7 and heading back to the Green.

Chris Angelo was the first to cross the finish line 26 minutes and 17 seconds later. Angelo, who was dressed as a runner, averaged a 5:16 per mile pace.

As for the costume contest, Lee Sohl, dressed as a clown, won first overall for the second year in a row.

“Last year I went as a lion tamer and my dog was dressed as a lion,” said Sohl. “This year it’s a different dog but we still won. I guess they liked the makeup.”

The event was also  a food drive for the Kent Food Bank. Monetary donations and non-perishable items were collected as the food bank prepares for winter.

Runners set off from the starting line of the Pumpkin Run in Kent. The 5-mile course led runners around the Kent Green on the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 30. Photo by Riley Klein

Runners set off from the starting line of the Pumpkin Run in Kent. The 5-mile course led runners around the Kent Green on the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 30. Photo by Riley Klein

Runners set off from the starting line of the Pumpkin Run in Kent. The 5-mile course led runners around the Kent Green on the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 30. Photo by Riley Klein

Runners set off from the starting line of the Pumpkin Run in Kent. The 5-mile course led runners around the Kent Green on the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 30. Photo by Riley Klein

Runners set off from the starting line of the Pumpkin Run in Kent. The 5-mile course led runners around the Kent Green on the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 30. Photo by Riley Klein
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