Akron Pride 5K

Event Overview

The Akron Pride Festival 5K (AP 5K) steps off August 21, 2026, at 6:30PM, with an exciting start and finish line located at Canal Place in Akron, Ohio. Lace up your shoes and prepare to embark on a memorable journey through Akron's scenic streets and along the historic Ohio & Erie Canal towpath, as you join a diverse, inclusive crowd celebrating love and acceptance.

• Date: August 21, 2026
• Time: 6:30 PM
• Location: Canal Place, Akron, OH
• Experience: A diverse, inclusive race atmosphere

Participation

Whether you're a seasoned runner or someone who enjoys a casual jog, this event welcomes participants of all abilities and backgrounds. Don't miss this opportunity to make lasting memories and show your support for Akron's LGBTQ+ community. Register today and get ready to be a part of something extraordinary.

• Who Can Join: Runners of all abilities and backgrounds
• Support: Celebration of Akron's LGBTQ+ community
• Registration: Join today for an extraordinary event
• Virtual Option: Participate even if unable to attend in person

Registration Fees

Registration Fee Expiration Dates:

• June 15: $30
• July 15: $35
• Aug. 15: $40
• Aug. 21: $45

T-Shirts

T-Shirt for all registrants! Discount is available for No Shirt option of $5 up to Race Day! We offer Youth Large and Adult Small to Adult X-Large. To be guaranteed a shirt size please register by 8/1. Limited selection will be available after!

• Shirt Included: Available for all registrants
• No Shirt Discount: $5 discount available
• Sizes Offered: Youth Large and Adult Small to X-Large
• Registration Deadline: 8/1 for size guarantee

Virtual Participation

Unable to attend and run in person, register for the virtual event. Virtual times can be posted at any time in August, however registration closes August 21, 2026.

• Packet Pickup: Akron Art Museum, Thursday, August 20, 5:30 to 8:30 PM
• Shipping Option: Shirt mailed for an additional $5.00
• Receive Items: Items shipped after the event by August 31, 2026
• Registration End: Closes on August 21, 2026

Schedule

Friday, August 21, 2026: Packet Pick-up and Race Start/Finish

• Packet Pickup: 5:00 PM - 6:15 PM
• Race Start: 6:30 PM
• Location: Canal Place, 520 S Main St, Akron, OH
• Pre-Race Check: Consider visiting the Akron Art Museum

Awards

The in-person Akron Pride Festival 5K will award certificates and prizes for the following runner categories:

• Top 3: Overall Male/Female/Non-binary
• Age Groups: 9-Under to 75-Up
• Presence Required: Winners must collect prizes in person
• No Awards: For the virtual event

About the Akron Promise City Series

Started in 2022, the Akron Promise "City Series" aims to promote health, exploration of our city, growth, and support for the various participant organizations throughout Akron. Please consider participating (in person, virtually, or as a volunteer) in as many as you can. Medals will be awarded to people who participate in at least five of the events.

• Launch Year: 2022
• Goals: Promote health and exploration
• Participation: Involvement in multiple events encouraged
• Awards: Medals for participating in at least five events

About Akron Promise

Akron Promise was founded in 2016 by Tom and Daralee Ghinder. Akron Promise facilitates success in our city, our schools and our families to make Akron the community of choice to live, work and educate our children. To donate to Akron Promise or to learn more about the organization, visit www.akronpromise.org.

• Foundation Year: 2016
• Mission: Support for schools and families in Akron
• Community Focus: Making Akron a choice community
• Learn More: Visit the Akron Promise website

Registration Link

For more information and to register for the race, visit this link.