The Iron Pickle 5k presented by Canton Pickle Fest

🥒 Canton Pickle Fest 5K – The Iron Pickle

📢 UPDATE as of 6/17/25:
We are officially sold out of race shirts in sizes S, XL, and XXL.

Registration packages that include a shirt and medal are almost full. Once those are gone, you’ll still be able to register and receive a timing bib, but shirts and medals will no longer be available.

We expect to be completely sold out of these items by the end of the week, so don’t wait!

📍 Race Location

Monument Park, Canton, Ohio
Sponsored by The Crazy Cucumber
Organized by LHG Productions and Timed with Race Penguin

🏃‍♂️ Event Highlights

• Scenic Route: The Iron Pickle 5K features a scenic route that starts and ends in beautiful Monument Park, looping briefly 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.
• The Iron Pickle Challenge: Want serious bragging rights? Take on the Iron Pickle Challenge by carrying pickles from The Crazy Cucumber or a giant inflatable pickle across the finish line! Select this option during registration to earn the exclusive Iron Pickle Medal.
• 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 for pickle prizes, lots of unique shopping and vendors, and energetic beats from DJ JT to keep the vibe going all day.

⭐ 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 after the race. Please note that virtual participants are not eligible for awards.

Unfortunately, pickles cannot be shipped but they can be picked up at early packet pick up. 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. Virtual times can be posted from June 21 to June 30!

👕 Shirts

Race shirts are available in adult sizes S–2XL. Shirts will be available with some limited sizing if registering after June 1. As of 6/17 only Medium and Large shirts are available. Only available to the first 500 registrants.

📦 Early Packet Pickup

Main Stark Library (715 Market Ave. N, Canton, OH 44702)
Wednesday, June 18, from 4–6 PM

📅 Race Day Schedule

• Packet Pickup: Begins at 7:30 AM.
• Race Start: Promptly at 9:00 AM.
• Course Transition: If you’re still on the course after about 45 minutes, no worries — we just ask that you transition to the sidewalks.
• 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. TOP 3 overall M-F podium winners receive a special prize package.

Age Group Awards: Top Male & Female in Each Age Group. Age groups: 14-Under, 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. Age group awards can be picked up at Canton Pickle Fest 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 Iron Pickle challenge by carrying pickles from The Crazy Cucumber 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. Only available to the first 500 runners. Race results and live timing will be available via the RunSignUp App and website.