From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find fun run events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
The Races
Join us for our SECOND YEAR as we continue the legacy of Team Bernard Prince by running to inspire HOPE. Bernard shared his vision, “I want to put on a race to help people that are broken, that have been through trauma.” This event celebrates FAITH, DIVERSITY, and the resilience of ALL ABILITIES and ALL PEOPLE.
Choose your race:
● 5K Run / Walk / Roll
● 1 Mile Run / Walk / Roll
● Kids Fun Run / Walk / Roll
Worship Music
Enjoy live worship music at Centennial Plaza before, during, and after the races. The performances will feature talented local artists, led by Jay Secrest of Perry Christian Church, creating an uplifting and spiritual atmosphere throughout the event.
Baptism Opportunity
Following the race, we invite you to take part in an outdoor baptism. Inspired by Bernard’s favorite shirt, which read, “Heaven is my Home, I’m just Here Recruiting,” this unique experience reflects his dream of making baptism accessible to everyone who feels called to commit their life to Jesus.
The Backstory
Team Bernard Prince was born from a heartfelt conversation in 2022 during a Physical Therapy session. Bernard, battling Kugelberg Welander Syndrome, expressed his dream of becoming a runner and declared, “I’m going to run 10,000 miles as soon as I get to Heaven!” This inspiring story was featured on Cleveland’s Channel 5 News. Watch the 7-minute video that beautifully captures the origins of Team Bernard:
CLICK HERE TO WATCH BERNARD'S STORY
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 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 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.
USA Swimming Club. 43 members.