Event Description
Join us for the 26 Anniversary of the Great Pumpkin Race!
Join us for the for the 26th Anniversary Great Pumpkin Race on Saturday, October 26 at the Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities, 2950 Whipple Ave NW, Canton, OH 44708.
Our race headquarters offers inside holding areas and restroom facilities. Wheelchairs, strollers and dogs are welcome at our family friendly, inclusive event. In addition to the road events, we have pumpkin cart racing, pumpkin decorating and the chance to Guess the Weight of the Giant Pumpkin!
This is an In-Person Race!
At this time we do not offer a virtual race option.
Want to make the entire weekend spooky fun?
We are partnering with Run To You Racing The Haunted Forest Marathon, which is run the day after in Canal Fulton. Those who complete BOTH the Great Pumpkin 4 Miler AND ANY of the Sunday distances will receive a special 9 LIVES CHALLENGE MEDAL.
Packet Packet Pickup
Friday, October 25 at 4:00-6:30 PM
Saturday, October 26 starting at 7:00 AM
100 Yard Lil' Pumpkin Dash (Ages 7 & Under) begins at 8:15 am. Finisher medals for the 100 Yard finishers. This is a untimed event!
1 Mile Fun Run/Walk begins at 8:30 am. Finisher medals given for the 1 mile finishers. This is a untimed event and not part of the Challenge Series event!
4 Mile Run/Walk & Team (minimum 4-no maximum, individuals will be scored individually in addition to be scored as a team) begins at 9:00 am. This is a timed event and qualifies for the Challenger Series.
Awards:
Top 3 male and female finishers
Top 3 male and female finishers in age groups 1-12, 13-15, 16-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, & 80-Up
Team category...prizes for the top team in the 4 Miler, as well as the team with the most registrants combined in the Lil Pumpkin Dash, 1 Miler Fun Run/Walk and the 4 Miler.
Long-Sleeve Tee for all registrants. Discount is available for a No Shirt option of $8 up to Race Day! Shirt only option is also available for those who want to support our event, however this option will be disabled on 10/4/24.
Special Olympians...whether they are past, present or potential athletes...are encouraged to join us and can register at the Special Olympian pricing. Buddies or caregivers are welcome to walk along at no cost.
Cause/Donation
Since our race began in 1998, we have raised thousands of dollars to support Special Olympic athletes in the Stark County area. More than 500 people with developmental disabilities living in Stark County participate in Special Olympics programs. The year around programs include: basketball, flag football, power lifting, softball, swimming, bocce and track and field. Proceeds from the Annual Great Pumpkin Race help purchase uniforms, equipment, field/venue rental and much more for the athletes. Special Olympics Ohio - Stark DD is a 501c3 organization. All funds raised stay LOCAL to support local athletes. Donations can be made through the registration process.
