The Great Pumpkin Haul, Littleton

You might be inclined to find the smallest pumpkin available at The Great Pumpkin Haul's patch. That's because you won't just be taking this pumpkin home to carve it into a ghoulish mascot; you'll also be lugging it through a 2-mile obstacle course. Racers balance their chosen gourd on their shoulders as they trundle through corn fields, orange- and red-hued woody trails, and open pasture, all while scrambling over hay bales and other autumnal obstacles. While the race is only 2 miles long, it can be challenging when balancing a 10–20 pound pumpkin. That's why the staff awards such perseverance with prizes for those carrying the heaviest pumpkin, those daring to carry two pumpkins, and those who complete the race fastest.

After competitors cross the finish line, they're rewarded with mugs of warm apple cider and glasses of pumpkin beer. They're also welcome to hang out for a few hours to tackle the corn maze, revel in the brisk autumn weather, and groove to local music. All of the day's proceeds go to The Children's Hospital Colorado.

When the festivities wind down, guests can take their once burdensome pumpkin home to carve it into a jack-o-lantern while feeling the sweet, sweet release of revenge.