The Great Pumpkin Race

🎃 Welcome to the Great Pumpkin Race!

Join us for the 27th Anniversary Great Pumpkin Race on Saturday, October 25 at the Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities, 2950 Whipple Ave NW, Canton, OH 44708.

🏃‍♂️ Race Headquarters Information

• Facilities: Our race headquarters offers inside holding areas and restroom facilities.
• Accessibility: Wheelchairs, strollers, and dogs are welcome at our family-friendly, inclusive event.
• Activities: In addition to the road events, we have pumpkin cart racing, pumpkin decorating, and the chance to Guess the Weight of the Giant Pumpkin!
• Note: This is an In-Person Race! At this time we do not offer a virtual race option.

🎉 Weekend Fun

Want to make the entire weekend spooky fun? We are partnering with Run To You Racing The Haunted Forest Marathon, which is run the day after in Canal Fulton. Those who complete BOTH the Great Pumpkin 4 Miler AND ANY of the Sunday distances will receive a special 9 LIVES CHALLENGE MEDAL.

📅 Packet Pickup Schedule

• Friday: October 24 at 4:00-6:30 PM
• Saturday: October 25 starting at 7:00 AM

🏅 Event Schedule

• 100 Yard Lil' Pumpkin Dash: Ages 7 & Under begins at 8:15 am. Finisher medals for the 100 Yard finishers. This is an untimed event!
• 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk: Begins at 8:30 am. Finisher medals given for the 1 mile finishers. This is an untimed event and not part of the Challenge Series!
• 4 Mile Run/Walk: Begins at 9:00 am. This is a timed event and qualifies for the Challenger Series.

🏆 Awards

• Top Finishers: Top 3 male and female finishers.
• Age Groups: Top 3 male and female finishers in age groups 1-12, 13-15, 16-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, & 80+
• Team Awards: Largest Team category...prizes for the top team with the most registrants combined in the Lil Pumpkin Dash, 1 Miler Fun Run/Walk and the 4 Miler.

T-shirt & Special Pricing

• Long-Sleeve Tee: All registrants will receive a long-sleeve tee. A discount is available for a No Shirt option of $8 up to Race Day!
• Shirt Only Option: Available for those who want to support our event, however, this option will be disabled on 10/3/25.
• Special Olympians: Whether they are past, present, or potential athletes, are encouraged to join us and can register at the Special Olympian pricing.
• Caregivers: Buddies or caregivers are welcome to walk along at no cost (no race number, shirt or finisher medal).

❤️ Cause/Donation

Since our race began in 1998, we have raised thousands of dollars to support Special Olympic athletes in the Stark County area. More than 500 people with developmental disabilities living in Stark County participate in Special Olympics programs. The year-round programs include: basketball, flag football, power lifting, softball, swimming, bocce, and track and field. Proceeds from the Annual Great Pumpkin Race help purchase uniforms, equipment, field/venue rental, and much more for the athletes. Special Olympics Ohio - Stark DD is a 501c3 organization. All funds raised stay LOCAL to support local athletes. Donations can be made through the registration process.

🔗 More Information

For additional information, visit the race page: Great Pumpkin Race.