The Iron Pickle 5k presented by Canton Pickle Fest

🥒 Canton Pickle Fest 5K – The Iron Pickle

Monument Park, Canton, Ohio
Sponsored by The Crazy Cucumber

Join us for Canton’s most dill-lightful race of the summer! The Iron Pickle 5K features a scenic route that starts and ends in beautiful Monument Park, looping through city streets and returning along the picturesque West Branch Trail beside Nimishillen Creek.

🏃 All Paces Welcome
Whether you run, walk, skip, or jog, this race is all about embracing the energy of the festival and bringing the community together for a fun, feel-good experience.

🥒 What Makes it The Iron Pickle?
Want serious bragging rights? Take on the Iron Pickle Challenge by carrying a pickle—or a giant inflatable pickle—across the finish line! Select this option during registration to earn the exclusive Iron Pickle Medal. Pickles and inflatables provided only to participants who pre-select this option during registration.

🥒 Best Dressed Award
Go green or go home! Wear your best pickle-themed outfit for a chance to win prizes and earn Best Dressed glory.

🎉 Post-Race Celebration
After the race, head downtown to Centennial Plaza for the full pickle party. Enjoy delicious pickle-themed food trucks, cold pickle cocktails and lemonade from Happy Camper Bar, a fun scavenger hunt, lots of unique shopping and vendors, and energetic beats from DJ JT to keep the vibe going.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This 5K
This isn’t your average 5K. The Iron Pickle brings the fun with a festive theme, a scenic and accessible course, and race perks like a custom shirt, bib, and our signature Canton Pickle Fest 5K finisher medal. Timing is handled professionally by RacePenguin, and top finishers will be recognized both on stage and through the RacePenguin app. We’re also proud to support our community — bring two non-perishable food items to packet pickup for Stark Hunger Task Force and get a special thank-you sticker.

🏃‍♂️ Virtual Option
Can’t make it in person? Join virtually and run on your own time. You can pick up your race swag at early packet pickup or on race morning, or add $5 to have it shipped. Please note that virtual participants are not eligible for awards and unfortunately, pickles cannot be shipped — but you’re encouraged to grab your own tub and hit the trails in true Iron Pickle spirit, however you will still receive a second medal if you choose The Iron Pickle option. 

👕 Shirts
Race shirts are available in adult sizes S–2XL. Shirts are limited after May 31, so don’t wait to secure yours.

📦 Early Packet Pickup
Main Stark Library (715 Market Ave. N, Canton, OH 44702)
Wednesday, June 19, from 4–7 PM

📅 Race Day Schedule
Packet pickup and race-day registration begins at 7:30 AM.
Race Begins Promptly at 9:00 AM.

If you’re still on the course after about 45 minutes, no worries — we just ask that you transition to the sidewalks so our amazing police team can begin preparing for the rest of the day’s festivities downtown.

Awards ceremony at 11:00 AM on the main stage at Canton Pickle Fest — 330 Court Ave NW, Centennial Plaza, Canton, OH 44702.

🏅 Awards

Top 3 Overall (Male & Female)
Announced on stage at Centennial Plaza at 11:00 AM. First-place overall M-F winners receive a special prize.
Top Male & Female in Each Age Group
Age groups: 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, & 80-Over.
These age group awards can be picked up at (location TBD) or will be sent out after results are finalized.
Best Dressed Award
Wear your best green or pickle-themed costume! Winner receives a special prize and recognition on stage at Centennial Plaza. A fashion show at Centennial Plaza may be required to determine the winning outfit or costume, so get creative!

The Iron Pickle Medal
Complete the challenge by carrying pickles or an inflatable pickle across the finish line and earn the exclusive Iron Pickle Medal!

Finisher Medal
Every participant receives a commemorative Canton Pickle Fest 5K finisher medal.

Race results and live timing will be available via the RunSignUp App and website.