Beyond the Finish Line: 4 Local Stories from the Mableton Pumpkin Chase
A little chilly weather couldn't stop Mableton from walking and running on Saturday morning, October 17! If anything, the brisk air only fueled excitement for It Starts with Me 2 Foundation's 2nd Annual Mableton Pumpkin Chase!
The foundation successfully brought together participants from across metro Atlanta, doubling last year's turnout for an energetic morning of races, vendors, music, and community building.
The event, held at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, was filled with neighbors in bright running gear alongside a wide array of funny and creative Halloween costumes, turning a cold morning into a beautiful, high-energy community showcase.
Warming Up the Starting Line
The starting line buzzed with energy as a DJ spun upbeat tracks to get the growing crowd moving. Health and wellness vendors chatted with locals, proving that despite the chilly air, there was plenty of warmth in the shared laughter, smiles, and community connection.
But what struck me most wasn't just the sheer number of people who showed up. It was the vast difference in why they were there. I spoke with four different participants after they finished, and realized that while everyone ran the same course, they all came from four completely different starting lines.
The Neighborhood Explorer: Gerry Lewis
For Gerry, the race was a chance to embrace the Halloween spirit and discover his own backyard. Running in a surprisingly breathable kilt for his costume, the Cooper Lake resident used the race as an opportunity to run down local roads he had never explored before. "I mean, this is my neighborhood, so it was some new roads I'd never gotten to run down before because I never thought about it," he shared.
---
The Competitor’s Journey: Brandon Tutt
Brandon was the overall winner of the race. But his journey to first place didn’t start at the starting line. It started back in 2023 when he weighed 220 pounds and began running and walking just to lose weight. On race morning, he was operating on zero sleep and had even thrown up before the starting gun. "I know usually even on my worst days, I'm pretty fast," he said. Still, he clocked a blistering 5:40 first mile and finished three minutes ahead of the second-place runner, securing his back-to-back victory after winning last year.
---
The Hometown Supporter: Nakeisha Brumfield
Returning for her second year, Nakeisha mentioned the grueling uphill challenge of the last half-mile, choosing to walk to avoid injury. "It was better for me to just stop and walk so that I could finish, instead of hurt myself," she explained. Beyond the race itself, she loved the convenience of a growing local event rather than driving across metro Atlanta. "It's nice to be only five minutes away from home today," she added.
---
The Daily Routine: William Marks
At 72 years old, William won the 70+ age category. For him, the Pumpkin Chase isn't an intense, grueling competition; it is a natural extension of his daily life. "I walk practically every day two or three miles a day," he shared. Living just a couple of miles away near South Cobb High School, William and his family came out simply because they enjoyed participating in the race last year.
---
It’s easy to look at a 5K and just see a crowd of runners. But zoom in, and you find athletes pushing their limits, neighbors discovering new streets, dedicated walkers keeping up their daily miles, and locals celebrating the simple joy of a hometown event.
Words only tell part of the story when the Mableton community comes together like this. Take a look at the vibrant energy, the finish-line smiles, and a few of my favorite moments captured from the day below.
Comments