The Iron Pickle 5k presented by Canton Pickle Fest

The Iron Pickle 5K presented by Canton Pickle Fest

Starts &: Finishes in Stark County Fairgrounds in Canton, OH
Presented by Canton Pickle Fest | Organized by LHG Productions | Timed by RacePenguin

Iron Pickle Challenge

• Bragging Rights: Ready for the bragging rights, or should we say Brine-ing rights?
• Choose Your Add-On: Carry either a jar of pickles from the Crazy Cucumber or a giant inflatable pickle across the finish line.
• Finish Strong: Finish strong with your pickle in hand and you&rsquo:ll earn a unique Iron Pickle Award.

Virtual Option

• Participation from Afar: Our virtual 5k Run/Walk means you can complete the 5K anywhere at any time between May 30-June 30, 2026.
• Submit Your Distance: Complete a 5K distance and submit your time!
• Note: Your virtual results don't include the results in the overall or age group awards.
• Packet Details: For virtual participants, your packet will be sent out by Friday, June 5.

Submit Your Virtual Results:
Submit Your Time!

Volunteer

• Join Us: We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make this year’s Iron Pickle Race a success!
• Opportunities Available: Day-of registration, packet pick-up, handing out pickles, staffing water stations, and assisting with finish line awards and refreshments.
• Thank-You Incentives: Volunteers will receive their very own pickles and a $10 discount for future participation!
• Sign Up: To help it run smoothly, go to the volunteer page to sign up today!

Shirts

• Sizes Available: T-shirt sizes range from Youth Small to Large and Adult Small to 2X-Large.
• No Shirt Option: There is a $5 discount for opting out of a shirt.
• Little Pickle Dash: Only Youth Small to Large shirts available, also with a $5 discount for a no shirt option.
• Limited Availability: T-Shirts will be limited after May 11 with limited selections!

Medal & Bonus Award

• Iron Pickle Medal: All participants will receive an Iron Pickle Medal at the finish line.
• Bonus for Challenges: Those who take on the Iron Pickle Challenge will receive a bonus award.

Awards

• Award Pickup: Awards can be picked up at the beginning of the festival!
• Top Finishers: Top 3 overall male and female finishers will be announced on stage at 9:30 AM.
• Age Group Recognition: Top 3 Age group male and female winners will receive an Iron Pickle certificate.
• Best Dressed: Best dressed honors are for the pickle-loving participant with the most creative costume!

Schedule

• Pre-Packet Pickup: Friday, May 29, 4:00-6:00 PM at the Fairgrounds, Exhibition Building.
• Race Day: Saturday, May 30:
• 7:00-8:00 AM - Packet Pickup
• 7:45 AM - Little Pickle Dash Starts - 200 Yards - Untimed Event!
• 8:00 AM - 5K Run/Walk Starts
• 9:15 AM - Awards Ceremony
• 10:00 AM - Canton Pickle Fest starts and ends at 6 PM.

After the Race

Stay for the Full Pickle Festival Experience! Enjoy over 30 pickle-themed food vendors, including food trucks, special pickle menus, and live entertainment. Admission is free (parking is $2). Run the race and get early access to Canton’s most popular pickle event of the year!

This isn’t your ordinary 5K — it’s a pickle-packed, fun-filled run with electrolytes in every step!
Welcome to the Iron Pickle 5K!
Run. Pickle. Party.

For more information, visit the race page: Iron Pickle 5K Race Page