The Great Pumpkin Race
- Date
- October 31, 2026
- Location
- 2950 Whipple Ave NW, Canton, OH
- Distance
- 100 Yard Lil' Pumpkin Dash (Ages 7 & Under) · 1 Mile (Special Olympian) · 1 Mile Run/Walk & more
From the Organizer
Join us for the 28th Anniversary of the Great Pumpkin Race!
Join us for the 28th Anniversary Great Pumpkin Race on Saturday, October 31 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 more!
This is an In-Person Race!
At this time we do not offer a virtual race option.
Want to make the entire month spooky fun?
We are partnering with Run To You Racing The Haunted Forest Marathon, which is run Sunday, Oct. 25 in Canal Fulton. Those who complete BOTH the Great Pumpkin 4 Miler AND ANY of the Haunted Forest distances will receive a special 9 LIVES CHALLENGE MEDAL!
Packet Packet Pickup
Friday, October 30 at 4:00-6:30 PM
Saturday, October 31 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 9:00 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 also 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+
Largest Team category...prizes for the top 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 10/3/25.
Special Olympians...whether they are past, present or potential athletes... all with developmental disabilities are encouraged to join us and can register at the Special Olympian pricing. Buddies or caregivers are welcome to walk along at no cost (no race number, shirt or finisher medal).
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, corn hole and track & 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.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
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
57°
Typical Low
39°
Chance of Rain
40%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Akron Canton Rgnl Ap, 8 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Canton, OH
Population
70,105
as of 2023
Elevation
1,108 ft
Nearest Airport
CAK
Akron Canton Regional Airport · 8 mi
Major Hub
CLE
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport · 48 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at The Great Pumpkin Race, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
145
Days to train
- Race
- The Great Pumpkin Race
- Date
- October 31, 2026
- Location
- 2950 Whipple Ave NW, Canton, OH
Coming Up
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Less than a mile away
Gervasi Vineyard Miles for Mimosa 5k
5K
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
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.
Running
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)
- What is The Great Pumpkin Race?
- The Great Pumpkin Race is a running race held in Canton, Ohio on October 31, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is The Great Pumpkin Race?
- Saturday, October 31, 2026 in Canton, Ohio at 2950 Whipple Ave NW, Canton, OH. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for The Great Pumpkin Race?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
The Great Pumpkin Race
Oct 31, 2026