The Iron Pickle 5k presented by Canton Pickle Fest

🥒 The Iron Pickle 5K

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

🎽 Run, Walk, or Boogie

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

🏅 What Makes it "The Iron Pickle"?

• Bragging Rights: Want serious bragging rights? Add a little brine to your stride and take on The Iron Pickle Challenge!
• Exclusive Medal: Carry pickles—or a giant inflatable pickle—across the finish line to prove you’ve got what it takes and earn the exclusive Iron Pickle Medal!
• Pre-Selection: Pickles and inflatables provided to participants who pre-select this option during registration—don't miss out on the fun!

👗 Best Dressed Award

Feeling extra? Wear your best pickle-themed outfit (head-to-toe green or full pickle costume) for a chance to win special prizes and bragging rights at our Best Dressed contest!

🎉 Post-Race Celebration

After crossing the finish line, head downtown to Centennial Plaza for a celebration featuring pickle-themed food trucks, shopping, music, a scavenger hunt, pickle lemonade, cocktails, and all things pickle!

🌟 Why You'll Love This 5K

• Pickle-Themed Fun: A playful race atmosphere perfect for all fitness levels.
• Scenic Route: Enjoy a picturesque, easy-to-follow course starting and finishing in Monument Park.
• Great Swag: Every runner gets a race shirt, bib, and exclusive Canton Pickle Fest 5K finisher medal.
• Live Timing: Top finishers will be announced on stage and via the RacePenguin App.
• Support the Community: Bring 2 non-perishable food items to packet pickup to support Stark Hunger Task Force and earn a special thank-you sticker.

💻 Virtual Option

Can't make it on race day? No problem! Join virtually and run at your convenience. Virtual participants can pick up race swag during early packet pickup or race morning—or add $5 to have items shipped directly after the event. (Virtual participation not eligible for awards beside finisher medal.)

👕 Shirts

We offer t-shirt sizes Adult Small to 2X-Large. Shirts will be limited after May 31!

🕒 Schedule

• 7:30 AM: Packet Pickle Up and Last-Minute Registration
• 9:00 AM: Race Start
• 11:00 AM: Awards Ceremony - Main Stage at Canton Pickle Fest - 330 Court Ave NW- Centennial Plaza, Canton, Ohio 44702

🏆 Awards

• Top 3 Overall: (Male & Female) Announced on stage at Centennial Plaza at 11:00 AM. First-place overall male and female winners receive a special prize.
• Top Male & Female in Each Age Group: Various age groups eligible for awards.
• Best Dressed Award: Wear your best green or pickle-themed costume! Winner receives a special prize.
• 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.

For more information, visit the race page.