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

• Challenge Yourself: Ready for the bragging rights, or should we say Brine-ing rights?? Choose to take on the Iron Pickle Challenge!
• Pickle Options: Select the Iron Pickle add-on and carry either a jar of pickles from the Crazy Cucumber or a giant inflatable pickle across the finish line.
• Earn Awards: Finish strong with your pickle in hand and you'll earn a unique Iron Pickle Award.

Virtual Option

• Participate from Afar: Love the Pickle but need to participate from afar? Our virtual 5k Run/Walk means you can complete the 5K anywhere at any time between May 30-June 30, 2026. You complete a 5K distance and submit your time!
• Limitations: Please know your virtual can't include any add-ons (jar of pickles or an inflatable pickle): we also don't include the results in the overall or age group awards.
• Goodies: You do however get an awesome shirt & medal for joining us!
• Packet Mailing: 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: Opportunities include day-of registration, packet pick-up, handing out pickles, staffing water stations, and assisting with finish line awards and refreshments.
• Thank You Gift: Volunteers will receive their very own pickles as a thank-you!
• Signup: If you would like to volunteer at our event, please go to this link volunteer page to signup today!

Shirts

• Sizes Available: Our 5K offers t-shirt sizes Youth Small to Large and Adult Small to 2X-Large, plus we have a $5 discount for a no shirt option.
• Little Pickle Dash: For the Little Pickle Dash only Youth Small to Large, plus we have a $5 discount for a no shirt option.
• Limited Availability: T-Shirts will be limited after May 11 with limited selections!

Medal & Bonus Award

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

Awards

• Pickup Location: 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 Awards: Top 3 Age group male and female in ages 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+ will also be recognized and receive an Iron Pickle certificate.
• Best Dressed: Best Dressed honors will go to the pickle-loving participant with the most creative costume — so dress to impress!

Schedule

• Friday, May 29: Pre-Packet Pickup 4:00-6:00 PM - At the Fairgrounds, Exhibition Building
• Saturday, May 30 - Race Day:
• 7:00-8:00 AM - Packet Pickup
• 8:00 AM - Little Pickle Dash Starts - 200 Yards
• 8:15 AM - 5K Run/Walk Starts
• 9:30 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 with special pickle menus, cottage bakers, pickle soft drinks, and pickle cocktails & beer from The Happy Camper Bar. Take part in our scavenger hunt for special pickle prizes, shop with local vendors, and explore unique pickle-inspired products. This year also features 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!

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.

For more information, visit the official race page.