Frequently Asked Questions 
What is the race format?
The main attraction of the Halloween Pumpkin Race is a unique side-by-side single elimination race format featuring decorated Pumpkin RaceCars. As each race progresses, participants are interviewed and crowd favorites begin to emerge. Excitement builds leading up to the semi-finals as the faster Pumpkin RaceCars battle head-to-head for the coveted Halloween Pumpkin Race Championship Trophy. We also award other prizes for Best Decoration, Most Innovative Design, and Best Crash.
What are "Pumpkin RaceCars?"
Pumpkin RaceCars must be built to conform (more or less) to the Official Halloween Pumpkin Race Rules. The Official Rules state in part that a Pumpkin RaceCar must be made from a carved pumpkin with two independent axels and wheels attached.
Pumpkin RaceCars come in all different shapes, sizes and speeds. Some are elaborately decorated and race-ready. Others appear as if they can’t make it down the race track at all. A well-crafted Pumpkin RaceCar can easily cross the finish line first, or it can catch an unfortunate break and come up short. There are always a few mighty Pumpkin RaceCar underdogs who somehow manage to come up with a victory over seemingly superior opponent.
Despite their different appearances, all Pumpkin RaceCars are given an equal opportunity to participate and advance toward victory.
Does anyone ever cheat?
All Pumpkin RaceCars are given an equal opportunity to race, that is, except for the cheaters! If, after close inspection by a Race Official, a Pumpkin RaceCar is determined to be in violation the Official Halloween Pumpkin RaceCar Rules it is declared a cheater! The penalty for racing a cheater Pumpkin RaceCar is instant destruction by a large wooden mallet, administered by the Head Race Official. It is important to note that several race entrants routinely enter “cheater pumpkins” with full knowledge that their Pumpkin RaceCar will be smashed to bits for all to see and cheer. The Head Race Official never smashes a person's Pumpkin RaceCar without their permission!
What is the "Pumpkin Pit Row?"
Pumpkin Pit Row was established to help first-time attendees of all ages and abilities quickly and easily experience the thrill of building a pumpkin racer and participating in the race. Most first-time attendees do not have the ability to bring a finished pumpkin racer to the event. Pumpkin Pit Row contains all of the necessary tools, accessories, and expert assistance (and encouragement!) to build a Pumpkin RaceCar. Stock items include wheels, axels, tools, hardware accessories and assorted decoration options. Pumpkin Pit Row started out as a small table with a few pumpkins and wheels. It is now the pre-race epicenter of activity buzzing with parents helping children, friends helping friends and a host of amazed onlookers. It is now a tradition for entrants to showcase their Pumpkin RaceCars in a dazzling line-up adjacent to Pumpkin Pit Row.
How do I enter to race?
When their Pumpkin RaceCar is tested and race-ready, entrants complete a Race Entry Form and enter it into the race. The Race Entry Form lists the family name, the Pumpkin RaceCar name, the number of years the Family has attend to the race, and their best finish. After a Race Official inspects the Pumpkin RaceCar it is entered into the race.
Do charities receive all the money raised from the event?
Beginning in 2001 all profits from food, beverage, and merchandise sales at the Halloween Pumpkin Race have been donated to local organizations including the Boy Scouts (Pack 759, Den 1), Pennekamp PTA, and Autism Speaks. Local businesses including Aviation Cyclery have traditionally donated prizes for raffles.
Beginning in 2007, the Manhattan Beach Pumpkin Race Festival, Inc. (a CA Non-Profit Public Benefit Corporation) was established to organize and produce the race in partnership with the City of Manhattan Beach. In accordance with our long-term license agreement with the City of Manhattan Beach, all net proceeds will be distributed to local non-profit organizations and City programs in the areas of education, youth fitness & wellness, creativity & ingenuity, family & teen resources, and the coastal environment. In 2007, we will make substantial donations to the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation, The Friendship Circle, and Surfrider Foundation. We will also provide funding for other City of Manhattan Beach Parks & Recreation programs. Federal 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt Status is pending.