MU Health Care Chestnut Chase

Deadlines

Entries will continue to be accepted until October 10. On-site registrations will be accepted.

Sport Info

WHAT:

Join us on October 10th for the MU Health Care Chestnut Chase a family-friendly event that encourages health, fitness, school spirit, and fun!

Open to all Howard County public and private elementary schools (K–5), the Chestnut Chase invites students, teachers, parents, family members, and friends to walk or run together while supporting their school! Thanks to our presenting sponsor, MU Health Care, Howard County elementary schools have the chance to compete for $500 for their Physical Education Department!

Schools will compete in small, medium, and large enrollment divisions, giving every school an equal opportunity to win. The more students who register and attend from your school, the better your chances of taking home the prize.

Gather your classmates, show off your school spirit, and register today for this Fall favorite that we're bringing to Howard County.

We can't wait to see you at the starting line!

DATE:

Saturday, October 10, 2026

FLIGHT TIMES: There will be 1 flight time assigned until we fill the 9:30am slot. If the 9:30am slot hits max participation, then we will open an additional time slot for 10:30am to allow for safe parking flow accommodations.

9:30am
10:30am (CLOSED)

*Mail-in registrations are subject to slot time changes if received after desired slot times are filled.

**Onsite registration will be available for day of. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your race with a completed waiver for all participants and walkalongs to allow enough time for day of registration.

ENTRY FEE:

$20 entry fee per runner until September 21st.

$25 entry fee per runner until October 10th. Registration will be available day of, but will not be guaranteed a 2026 Chestnut Chase t-shirt as supplies are limited. Entry fee includes t-shirt, swag bag with everything you will need for the run along with fun goodies from our amazing community partners.

*Parents, siblings, and teachers are allowed to run/walk with their child free of charge. However, if the parents want to receive a Chestnut Chase t-shirt with the run, they need to register and pay the entry fee as a runner.

*Contact 573-882-2101 to inquire about scholarships.

LOCATION:

In Collaboration with the Chestnut Festival

MU Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Farm

Address: 10 Research Center Road, New Franklin, MO 65274

Course is a 1 mile loop around a trail that goes through the Chestnut trees.

PARKING:

Parking will be available at the Chestnut Festival. More details on parking to come. We recommend carpooling if possible.

SWAG BAGS:

Swag bags will include t-shirt, race day information, sponsor coupons, and for those who have pre-registered runner numbers and pins.

** Early Bird Packet pickup will be available Thursday, October 8th from 10:00am - 5:00pm at our office located at 1400 S Rock Quarry Rd, Entrance 5, Columbia, MO 65211. Those who wish to pick up their swag bags on race day can as well.

Registration packets for onsite entries will be available day of and can be picked up at the onsite registration table.

Please allow an additional 10-15 minutes for the registration and check-in process. There will be designated areas for those who have preregistered and for onsite registrations. To save on time be sure to complete your child's waiver and any walkalongs that you will have for the race and have those in hand. You can find those waivers below.

*NOTE: All participants and walk along parents MUST fill out a waiver.

DEADLINE:

Entries will still be accepted the day of the event, but slots are limited and pre-registration is recommended.

*NOTE: All onsite registrations are not guaranteed their desired shirt size so pre-registration is highly encouraged.

PRIZES & GAMES:

This will be so much more than a fun run! We’re excited to be partnering with the MU Center for Agroforestry and the Chestnut Festival to create an experience the whole family can enjoy. Runners and their families can explore interactive booths featuring free games, activities, giveaways, and more from all that the University of Missouri Departments have to offer!

HOW TO ENTER:

Register Online: Show-Me State Games Online Registration - Pumpkin Fun Run

Register by Mail: To enter by mail, please complete a Pumpkin Fun Run entry form and the Pumpkin Fun Run Walk Along Waiver mail it along with payment to:

Show-Me State Games
1400 Rock Quarry Rd, Entrance 5
Columbia, MO 65211

*Mail-in registrations are subject to slot time changes if received after desired slot times are filled.

WEATHER: The Chestnut Chase will take place rain or shine. Flights could be delayed if there is lightening. If changes need to be made, announcements will be made on-site and posted here or on our Facebook page.

Congratulations to the top three schools in attendance at the 13th Annual MU Health Care Pumpkin Fun Run!

2025 WINNERS:

Large School: Rock Bridge Elementary School

Medium School: Cedar Ridge Elementary School

Small School: Two Mile Prairie Elementary School

They have each won a $500 scholarship toward their school's Physical Education Departments!

Thank you to all of our Boone County participants and their families for your continued support of the GAMES and your schools!