Veritas Academy, a preschool through 12th-grade classical Christian school, will host its annual Great Pumpkin Chase, a fall fest and kids' fun run, on Saturday, Oct. 21, at Lancaster County Central Park's Shuts Environmental Center, 3 Nature's Way, Lancaster.

This event features a 100-yard Tot Trot for kids age 5 and under and a 1-mile timed cross-country race - the Great Pumpkin Chase - for kids up to sixth grade. In both runs, kids are challenged to beat "The Pumpkin," a senior student runner in full costume as the titular gourd who encourages the runners before and during the race. This year, the role of the Pumpkin will be filled by Veritas senior and varsity cross-country runner Simon Rickert.

Runners in both races will receive an official race bib, and the top 10 boy and girl finishers in the 1-mile run will receive medals. All Tot Trot runners will receive a small prize.

Families can also enjoy carnival style games, face painting, inflatables, and food for purchase until noon, all happening in the field space by the Shuts Environmental Library. The fall festival is run by the Veritas Student Government.

Additionally, FM 90.3 WJTL's Kids Cookie Break will be live on location with a Pop-Up Party. Kids can visit the Kids Cookie Break tent for contests and giveaways, radio song requests, and a free Chick-fil-A cookie while supplies last.

There is a fee to participate in the Tot Trot or Great Pumpkin Chase, and registration is required by Thursday, Oct. 19, at http://www.info.veritasacademy.com/pumpkin-chase. The fall fest games and activities are free, and food purchases will benefit Veritas Academy Student Government, with proceeds helping to cover the cost of student events.

This event, which began as an elementary school cross-country meet, has grown immensely over the years and was first opened to the public in 2019. Last year, more than 120 runners participated in the Great Pumpkin Chase, with even more visitors for the fall fest.