Running, Pumpkins & Community: A BryMar Day at the Senior Coastsiders Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Run
There are client events you attend because they're on the calendar.
And then there are the ones you look forward to year after year.
For the BryMar team, the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Run has become a favorite fall tradition. Over the years, our team has laced up our running shoes, headed to the Coastside, and joined the community in supporting our client, Senior Coastsiders. It's one of those events that brings together so many things we love: a great cause, time with our teammates, and, of course, a little friendly competition.
This year was no exception.
On a beautiful October morning, the BryMar team came out in force for the 48th Annual Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Run. And with the famous Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival happening the same weekend, we knew the fun wouldn't stop at the finish line.
BryMar at the Senior Coastsiders Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Run Photos
A BryMar Team Effort-Near and Far
Partners, Michael and Sandy joined Sarah, Lucie, Alex, Justina, and Isaac, our fall intern, in Half Moon Bay for race day, while Kelleigh, Jane, and Ben joined the fun virtually.
Some came ready to run. Others came ready to walk. And we're fairly certain everyone came ready for what would follow: pumpkin pie, pumpkin churros, and a trip through one of the Bay Area's favorite fall traditions.
The weather couldn't have been better for a run.
The Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Run takes participants along the scenic Coastal Trail, with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. With 5K, 10K, and half marathon options, there's something for runners and walkers of different experience levels.
And we weren't the only ones excited to participate!
The 2026 race was a sellout, with all three main distances filling up and nearly 1,600 participants registered across the event.
That's a lot of running shoes - and a lot of pumpkins.
More Than a Race: Supporting Senior Coastsiders
As much fun as the Pumpkin Run is, what happens beyond the finish line is what makes this event especially meaningful to us.
Every registration supports Senior Coastsiders, a nonprofit dedicated to helping older adults throughout the Coastside maintain their independence, stay connected, and continue thriving in the communities they call home.
Serving communities from Montara to Pescadero, Senior Coastsiders provides vital programs and services, including nutritious meals, Meals on Wheels, educational classes, caregiver resources, and opportunities for meaningful social connection.
These aren't just programs. They're services that help older adults stay engaged, supported, and connected to their community.
And the Pumpkin Run brings that mission to life in a special way.
It's neighbors showing up for neighbors. Families cheering each other on. Volunteers making the morning possible. And local businesses and community partners coming together for something bigger than the race itself.
As Senior Coastsiders' CPA, BryMar has the privilege of getting to know the organization and its mission throughout the year. Events like the Pumpkin Run give our team a different perspective - an opportunity to see the community behind the financial statements and celebrate the people who make this work possible.
That's what makes our client relationships so meaningful.
From the Finish Line to Pumpkin Everything
Of course, when your race happens on the same weekend as the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, you don't just head home after crossing the finish line.
You follow the pumpkins.
After the race, our crew made its way into downtown Half Moon Bay to continue the fun. Main Street was buzzing with festivalgoers, music, art, pumpkin carvings, and just about every pumpkin-flavored treat imaginable.
Naturally, we had to sample a few.
Pumpkin pie? Absolutely.
Pumpkin churros? You bet.
After all that running and walking, we figured we'd earned a little something sweet.
We also explored the pumpkin-carving station and stopped to admire the giant pumpkins that make Half Moon Bay famous.
And when we say giant, we mean GIANT.
A Pumpkin Weighing More Than a Ton!
One of the festival's biggest attractions is the display of enormous pumpkins from the annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off.
This year's winning pumpkin, grown by Travis Gienger of Minnesota, weighed an astonishing 2,389 pounds!
That's more than a ton of pumpkin.
Seeing these enormous pumpkins up close is one of those experiences that makes you wonder how something can grow that big—and how anyone manages to move it!
Of course, the pumpkins weren't the only impressive works of art on display.
Farmer Mike's Pumpkin Carving Magic
No trip to the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival would be complete without stopping to see what Farmer Mike Valladao was creating.
Known for transforming enormous pumpkins into intricate works of art, Farmer Mike has been a festival favorite for decades. This year marked his 40th year carving at the festival.
Our team enjoyed seeing his latest creation, featuring Snoopy, along with the incredible creativity that goes into turning a giant pumpkin into something truly memorable.
Between the giant pumpkins, carving demonstrations, and festive atmosphere, there was no shortage of reasons to stop, explore, and take a few pictures.
And we certainly did!
The Kind of Day That Reminds Us Why Community Matters
By the end of the day, we'd logged some miles, enjoyed plenty of pumpkin-flavored treats, admired a pumpkin weighing more than a ton, and shared a whole lot of laughs.
What made the day special wasn't the race times, the pumpkins, or even the churros.
It was the opportunity to show up together for an organization doing important work in its community.
At BryMar, we're passionate about working with leaders who care deeply about the people they serve. Senior Coastsiders is a wonderful example. Their dedication to helping older adults live connected, independent, and fulfilling lives makes a meaningful difference throughout the Coastside.
We're grateful for the relationship we've built over the years and proud that supporting Senior Coastsiders has become part of our own team traditions.
Some of the best moments in a client relationship happen outside the office—when you get to experience firsthand the community, you're helping support.
Thank you to the Senior Coastsiders team, volunteers, and everyone who made this year's Pumpkin Run such a wonderful event.
We're already looking forward to next year! And yes, we'll probably be thinking about those pumpkin churros until then.
