The Rotary Club of Short Pump will host its inaugural Great Pumpkin Race 5k on Saturday, Oct. 23, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Deep Run Park, to raise money for PolioPlus and The Rotary Foundation.

The race will consist of a 5k run/walk and a Fall Family Festival including music, costume contest, a children’s play area, family activities and Halloween treats and refreshments for all participants.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity to support a great cause, and have a great time doing it,” said Kate Wagner, president of the Rotary Club of Short Pump.  “It is a community focused event that will have an impact across the globe.”

Rotary International’s mission is to end polio throughout the world. The organization's efforts have reduced the number of polio cases by more than 99 percent, resulting in the prevention of 250,000 deaths and the prevention of five million instances of childhood paralysis.

“Richmond is a running town,” said Pete Williamson, Rotary Club of Short Pump member and race organizer. “It is also a community that wants to make a difference. We think The Great Pumpkin Race will resonate with those who enjoy staying healthy and active and that want to help rid the world of an awful disease once and for all.”

First Capital Bank and HBW Insurance & Financial Services have signed on as title sponsors. Other sponsors include 3Sports, ActumHR, Allstate, Blue Saki Social Media, Diamond Springs, Dominion Partners, Hewlett-Packard, Kasch, Levitch, McAleer & Associates, and Patient First.

For details or to pre-register, visit http://www.greatpumpkinrace5k.com Regis.tration on race day is $30 and will be held from 7 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.