The Great Pumpkin Race

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.