CodeForce Pumpkin Race
An exciting annual STEM competition where creativity meets engineering. Design, build, and race a gravity-powered pumpkin racer to victory!
When
October 4, 2026
Where
Oswego, IL
Teams
1 or More
Prizes
Awards & Trophies
What is the Pumpkin Race?
The CodeForce Pumpkin Race is our signature annual event that combines physics, engineering, and creative problem-solving into one exciting competition.
Teams of students design and build gravity-powered vehicles to carry a pumpkin through a challenging obstacle course. Applying principles of kinematics, friction, and mass distribution, participants engineer their racers to convert potential energy into forward motion — navigating the track as quickly and accurately as possible.
This event celebrates innovation, teamwork, and the spirit of STEM education while bringing our community together for a fun and festive competition.
How It Works
Form Your Team
Register a team of 1 or more (ages 8-14). Each team will receive a starter kit with basic engineering components.
Design & Build
Teams design, build, and test their gravity-powered pumpkin carrier. CodeForce mentors are available for guidance.
Race Day!
Compete on race day! Racers will be judged on speed, accuracy, creativity, and engineering design. Prizes for top teams!
Race Day Gallery
Parts You'll Need
Grab these hardware items to build your pumpkin racer. Click any part to search on Amazon, or skip the shipping and support your local hardware store. #shoplocal
5/16" Threaded Steel Rods (18"–24")
Acts as the dual independent axles piercing through the pumpkin.
Search on Amazon5" Lawn Mower / Utility Wheels (1/2" or 5/16" bore)
Sturdy, smooth-rolling plastic or rubber wheels that handle weight without buckling.
Search on Amazon5/16"-18 Acorn / Cap Nuts or Wing Nuts
Outer wheel retainers — wing nuts allow quick hand adjustments; nylon lock nuts prevent backing off during a run.
Search on Amazon5/16" Flat Washers
Placed on both sides of each wheel to prevent binding against the pumpkin body and outer nuts.
Search on Amazon5/16"-18 Hex Nuts
Used as inner stops against the pumpkin skin to keep wheels aligned.
Search on AmazonPrefer to shop in person? All of these parts are available at your local hardware store.#shoplocal