
From the Organizer
This year we are COMBINING two of our favorite events, the CHOOSE JOY on the Green and our 5K! Melina always said, "It's NEVER ENOUGH!" Well, now it's MORE! An in-person 5K, a Virtual option, support from far and wide, AND... all the kid's fun! Everything Melina loved - a party, a race, and JOY! Help us fight for MORE than 4! Help us find a cure for pediatric brain tumors. Together this September we fight for JOY!
In-Person 5K: Sunday, September 13th, 2026, at Canfield High School (100 Cardinal Drive, Canfield, Ohio 44406). Packet Pick-Up & Race Day Registration: 2:00pm-3:15pm. 5K start: 3:30pm.
Kids Fun Run (Ages 8 & Under): Sunday, September 13th, 2026, at 5:00pm. The 400 Meter Kids Fun Run is free and is one lap on the track.
Virtual 5K: September 13th, 2026, through October 13th, 2026. Packets may be shipped for $10 or participants can pick up their packets on Saturday, September 13th from 10:00am-12:00pm at the Hampton Inn Canfield (6690 Ironwood Blvd, Canfield, Ohio 44406). Virtual participants can submit their time to josh@gcxcracing.com or they can upload times through this website. Click on the "Results" tab. If you run a faster 5K time at any point thereafter, you may resubmit your time to be updated.
Choose Joy Day: The free kids' event will take place from 2:00pm-6:00pm and open to all racers, guests, and everyone who is CHOOSING JOY!
* Please note that participant tshirts are only guaranteed through August 27th, 2026.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
76°
Typical Low
51°
Chance of Rain
36%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Warren 3 S, 12 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
7,651
as of 2023
Elevation
1,108 ft
Nearest Airport
CAK
Akron Canton Regional Airport · 37 mi
Major Hub
PIT
Pittsburgh International Airport · 46 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at The Choose Joy for Melina 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
97
Days to train
Coming Up
Twilight Run 5K
Less than a mile away
Firecracker 4-Miler
Less than a mile away
Flash in the Night
Less than a mile away
Point 5K (only 1,640 feet) to benefit Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Choose Joy for Melina 5K
Sep 13, 2026