Kentucky Kingdom’s Pumpkin Pace 5K on Sunday, October 4, includes an additional park-admission benefit for every registered participant. The race runs from 9 to 11 a.m., while the park’s Sunday fall program begins later in the day, so runners should plan for a gap between the finish and regular festival hours.
The park’s official race page says each registration includes free admission to Kentucky Kingdom on race day. The event raises money for Dress for Success and adds costume prizes, fall activities, a live DJ and a post-race party. Families or groups buying at least four adult or youth registrations can use the code GROUP15 for a 15% discount; the offer does not apply to the Kids Dash.
Race morning and park hours are separate
October 4 is a Sunday. Kentucky Kingdom’s Pumpkins event guide lists Sunday park hours from 4 to 9 p.m., with the Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular trail opening at 6 p.m. Registration therefore provides a same-day admission benefit, but visitors should not assume rides and festival attractions begin immediately when the 5K ends at 11 a.m.
The fall ticket normally combines the theme park and the pumpkin trail. Kentucky Kingdom says more than 30 rides operate from day into night, while the quarter-mile trail contains more than 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins. The trail does not require a separate ticket, and guests may enter it without selecting a timed reservation.
What is scheduled after the race
The park’s entertainment schedule lists the Boo Crew Block Party, roaming trivia, street magic, character greetings and stilt walkers during the festival run. Exact performance times can vary, so the daily schedule or park app should be checked after entry.
Participants should read the race-registration terms before purchase, verify where the admission credential will be issued and confirm parking arrangements separately. The festival guide says standard parking is not included with a regular day ticket, although passholder and select-date benefits differ.
The most useful October 4 plan is to treat the day as two connected experiences: a 9–11 a.m. charity race and a 4–9 p.m. Sunday park session, with the illuminated trail beginning at 6. That schedule leaves time for a meal or rest between activities, but visitors should retain every race credential needed to claim the included admission.
