8 walking events in Canton, Ohio

Join us July 11th 2026 for another year of celebrating women and girls of all ages and talents. We present a full morning for us with kicking off the morning with a USATF sanctioned championship event, following a community open women's/girl only 6K run / walk combined with fun festival after your race. The course will be SUPER fast, and this will be a very high-profile event!

Elite Championship : A race for the top tier athletes, our Elite Women's 6km Championship field has entailed some the best distance runners in the world. From former marathon record holder Kiera D'Amato to bronze medalist Molly Seidel, our race has had the privilege of hosting the best. This race entails an exclusive invite and required times standards. Limited Field*

"A" Standard Entry + 15:35 5K or better (5:04 per mile pace)

"B" Standard Entry + 16:25 5K or better (5:17 per mile pace )

*If interested in the elite field, please email Tina Ryee [email protected]

The Run/Walk : All women and girls of ALL abilities are welcome to participate in our open community run which goes off at 8:05 AM, following the Elite Division at 8:00 AM. We will be running a 6K course (3.73 miles) and at the end you will receive a beautiful finisher medal. Men are welcome to join us in our Virtual Race or Be a Helpful Volunteer!

Virtual Race : Can't make it in person? Not a problem. Join us in spirit and sign up for our virtual option. Virtual runners will receive t-shirt, finisher medal, and bib in the mail race week. Remember, this race is on YOUR time and YOUR own 6k course preference. Run this on your favorite 6k loop, track, or even come run our course whenever! We also love to hear from you how it went. Send your time and a photo of yourself in to share in the empowerment. Men and boys are welcome to join us in spirit! **Virtual runners will not be up for any overall or age group placement awards

Little Ladies Loop: For the little ladies and leaders of the next generation. For Ages 0 - 10. Join us to keep the energy high after the USATF Award Ceremony! Our little ladies loop begins immediately following the ceremony at 9:40am, giving moms who raced an exciting opportunity to run alongside their little championships.** Mom and Dads can run for free with their little ladies. Just register your little lady.

Start Time: Where: Meet at the finish line near the Women's 6km course for a designated, 0.6km secure loop.

The Festival : Post-race activities include a FANTASTIC finishers festival that focuses on opportunities, sisterhood, and empowerment. The festival will keep you entertained with music, our fun MC. many women owned vendors, along with an amazing USATF Division Award Ceremony and Open Division Award Ceremony. Festival will concluded approximately around 10:30am.

Top 5 overall women in the Open Division will be recognized and receive awards.

Overall Masters and Grand Masters will be recognized and receive awards.

Top 3 in Pink Division will be recognized and receive awards.

Top 3 in Walking Division will be recognized and receive awards.

Top 3 in each age division, will receive an award. ** Please note that if you are within the Top 5 overall or overall masters or grand masters you will not receive an age group award

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

Like Running or Walking? Love Mimosas? This race is for you!

Join us on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 9:30am or 11:00am for an unforgettable experience set against the breathtaking backdrop of Gervasi Vineyard and the scenic trails of Stark Parks. Gervasi Vineyard is a 55-acre Tuscan-inspired property featuring a picturesque lake, vineyards, walkways, and beautifully landscaped grounds that transport you straight to Italy. Beyond its stunning scenery, the estate is home to award-winning wines crafted onsite, exceptional dining at multiple restaurants, a full-service spa, and year-round events that make it one of the region’s premier destinations. Whether you’re running for a personal best, enjoying a leisurely walk, or celebrating at the finish line with a refreshing mimosa, this race promises a morning filled with beauty, energy, and an incredible vineyard experience.

This race is timed and scored by J3 Timing. Results will be posted at www.J3Timing.com.

Registration Includes:

• T-Shirt: Super Soft Ring Spun Cotton!

• Finisher Medal: "Mimosa Themed" Medal

• Race Bib: Chip timed 5k run/walk

• Results Posted Online

• ...and of course, a mimosa!

Join us for the 4th Annual AlterClinic Snip Sprint 5K & 1-Mile Walk, a fun-filled, dog-friendly fundraiser supporting affordable spay/neuter and TNR efforts in our community! Whether you're a seasoned runner or prefer a leisurely stroll, this family-friendly event is a great way to make a difference for animals in need—four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun!

All participants will receive a short-sleeved t-shirt, a finisher medal, and post-race refreshments. All p-registered participants are guaranteed a free t-shirt, shirts are subject to availability for race-day registration.

Friendly dogs are allowed and encouraged at the race.

The race is held at Stadium Park here in Canton, the address is 2501 Fulton Rd. NW Canton, OH 44709

The event will be CHIP TIMED by Run to You Racing.

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.

Come join the Perry Twp. Rotarians and the Perry Community on Thanksgiving Morning for our 30h Annual Perry Twp. Rotary Turkey Trot on November 26, 2026.

This is a 5K Run/Walk & Little Gobbler Run at Central Catholic High School, 4824 Tuscarawas St. W, Canton, OH 44708. This annual event has become a family event that hosts over 2000 runners/walkers and their families each year.

Medal:

For our 30th Annual Perry Rotary Turkey Trot all participants will receive a medal!

T-Shirt:

We offer the following shirt sizes Youth Medium, Youth Large, Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large, Adult X-Large, 2X-Large and 3X-Large. We also offer a no shirt option for a $20 discount. To be guaranteed a shirt size please register by 11/1. Limited selection will be available after!

Packet Pickup: Central Catholic High School, 4824 Tuscarawas St. W, Canton, OH 44708 in the Gymnasium

-Wednesday, November 25 from 4:00-6:00 pm

-Thursday, November 26 from 7:00-8:40 am

Map:

https://track.rtrt.me/map/RP-PERRY-ROTARY-TURKEY-TROT-26

Start Times:

8:00 am - Little Gobbler Run, Untimed Event!

8:40 am - 5K Run/Walk

Awards: All awards are mailed about 3-4 weeks after the event!

5K Run:

-Top 3 Overall Male & Female

-Top 3 Age Groups Male & Female 9 & Under, 10-14, 15-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and 80 & Over.

Please note: Due to this being a fundraising event for our benefactors, there will be no refunds. We appreciate your understanding!