The Iron Pickle 5k presented by Canton Pickle Fest

The Iron Pickle 5K presented by Canton Pickle Fest

• Date: 2026-05-30
• Location: 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?
• Pickle Add-On: Choose to carry either a jar of pickles from the Crazy Cucumber or a giant inflatable pickle across the finish line.
• Unique Award: Finish strong with your pickle in hand to earn a unique Iron Pickle Award.

Virtual Option

• Participate from Afar: Complete the 5K anywhere at any time between May 30-June 30, 2026.
• Time Submission: Submit your time after completing the 5K distance.
• Important Note: Virtual participants cannot include any add-ons (jar of pickles or an inflatable pickle).
• Packet Send-Out: For virtual participants, your packet will be sent out by Friday, June 5.

Volunteer

• Enthusiastic Help: We’re looking for volunteers to help make this year’s Iron Pickle Race a success!
• Opportunities: Day-of registration, packet pick-up, handing out pickles, staffing water stations, and assisting with finish line awards.
• Thank You: Volunteers will receive their very own pickles as a thank-you!
• Signup: Go to the volunteer page to sign up today!

Shirts

• Sizes Offered: T-shirt sizes Youth Small to Large and Adult Small to 2X-Large.
• No Shirt Discount: $5 discount for a no-shirt option.
• Limited Availability: T-Shirts will be limited after May 11 with limited selections!

Medal & Bonus Award

• All Participants: Receive an Iron Pickle Medal at the finish line.
• Bonus Award: Those who take on the Iron Pickle Challenge will receive a bonus award.

Awards

• Pick Up: 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 Groups: Top 3 Age group male and female in various age ranges will also receive awards.
• Best Dressed: Best Dressed honors will go to 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.
• Start Times: 8:00 AM - Little Pickle Dash Starts: 8:15 AM - 5K Run/Walk Starts.
• Awards Ceremony: 9:30 AM - Awards Ceremony: 10:00 AM - Canton Pickle Fest starts and ends at 6pm.

After the Race

• Full Festival Experience: Enjoy over 30 pickle-themed food vendors and special pickle menus.
• Special Prizes: Take part in our scavenger hunt for special pickle prizes.
• Admission: Admission is free (parking is $2).
• Race Benefits: Run the race and get early access to Canton’s most popular pickle event of the year!

Join Us!

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.

More Information

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