09/25/2026
Hey Pumpkin family!
What a way to celebrate 20 years of Pumpkinman! We had record starts at this year's triathlon, an incredible anniversary weekend, and once again watched this community show up in every possible way. Before I say anything else, I want to say thank you.
To every athlete, volunteer, sponsor, partner, police officer, town crew member, neighbor, nonprofit, family member and friend who has been part of Pumpkinman over the years...you have made this event so much more than a race.
Ten years ago, I had the opportunity to take over Pumpkinman. I could never have imagined then how much this event, this community, and all of you would become part of my life. I went into this year fully expecting that after celebrating 20 years, I would catch my breath and start figuring out Year 21.
But after the weekend, Brad and I had some long conversations about Pumpkinman, what it takes to produce it, and what the future could look like.
I've decided to take 2027 off from race production, which means there will not be a Pumpkinman next year.
This isn't a goodbye. It's simply a pause and a chance to step away from production for a year, look at everything with fresh eyes, and really evaluate what comes next and what Pumpkinman could look like in the future. I don't have that answer today, and I think that's okay.
What I do know is how incredibly grateful I am for what we've created together. The start lines and finish lines. The first-timers and the familiar faces who came back year after year. The volunteers who showed up before sunrise. The cowbells, finish-line hugs, friendships and traditions. The money we've been able to give back to our community. And thousands of little moments that happened because all of you kept showing up.
That's Pumpkinman to me. People showing up for people.
So as we close out this 20th anniversary year, I mostly just want to say thank you. Thank you for trusting us with your start lines, for showing up for this event and for each other, and for believing in this little race in South Berwick.
I'm incredibly proud of what we've created together and incredibly grateful for every person who has been part of its story.
For now, I'm going to give Pumpkinman a little room and see what comes next.
With so much gratitude,
Rachel
