Akron Pride 5K

The Akron Pride Festival 5K (AP 5K) steps off August 21. 2026, at 6:30PM, with an exciting start and finish line located at Canal Place in Akron, Ohio. Lace up your shoes and prepare to embark on a memorable journey through Akron's scenic streets and along the historic Ohio & Erie Canal towpath, as you join a diverse, inclusive crowd celebrating love and acceptance.

Whether you're a seasoned runner or someone who enjoys a casual jog, this event welcomes participants of all abilities and backgrounds. Don't miss this opportunity to make lasting memories and show your support for Akron's LGBTQ+ community. Register today and get ready to be a part of something extraordinary. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to combine your passion for fitness with the thrill of live sports. Mark your calendars, spread the word, and let's make this event memorable. Unable to attend in person? Register for the virtual run!

The Akron Pride Festival 5K is one of the Akron Promise City Series of Neighborhood Runs throughout the warmer months. See below to learn more about the Akron Promise mission and its runs. The Akron Pride Festival 5K is also an official Akron Bicentennial event as the city marks the 200th anniversary of the founding by Simon Perkins.

Registration Fee Expiration Dates:
June 15 - $30
July 15 - $35
Aug. 15  - $40
Aug. 21 - $45

T-Shirts:
T-Shirt for all registrants!  Discount is available for No Shirt option of $5 up to Race Day!  We offer Youth Large and Adult Small to Adult X-Large. To be guaranteed a shirt size please register by 8/1.  Limited selection will be available after!

Virtual:
Unable to attend and run in person, register for the virtual event. Virtual times can be posted at any time in August, however registration closes August 21, 2026.  All registrants for the virtual event can pick-up their runner packets at the Akron Art Museum on Thursday, August 20, 5:30 to 8:30 or choose to have their shirt mailed for an additional $5.00. Items will be shipped after the event and should be received by August 31, 2026.

Schedule:
Thursday, August 20, 2026: Runner Packet Pick-up
Akron Art Museum, 1 S High Street, Akron, OH
Time: 5:30-8:30 PM
The Akron Art Museum is open Thursday nights until 9:00PM and offers free admission every Thursday night.  Please consider visiting the galleries and any special exhibits when you come to pick-up your runner's packet.

Friday, August 21, 2026: Packet Pick-up and Race Start/Finish
Canal Place, 520 S Main St, Akron, OH
5:00-6:15 PM - Packet Pickup
6:30 PM - 5K Run/Walk Start

Awards:
The in-person Akron Pride Festival 5K will award certificates and prizes for the following runner categories:
-Top 3 Overall Male/Female/Non-binary
-Top 3 Male/Female/Non-binary in each following fifteen (15) Age Groups in the following 9-Under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, & 75-Up

To receive certificates and prizes, all winners must be present and collect their prizes during the post-race event at Missing Falls Brewery.  No certificates or prizes will be mailed after the event closes on August 21, 2026.

There are no certificates or awards for the virtual event!

About the Akron Promise City Series:
Started in 2022, the Akron Promise "City Series" aims to promote health, exploration of our city, growth and support the various participant organizations throughout Akron. Please consider participating (in person, virtually, or as a volunteer) in as many as you can. Medals will be awarded to people who participate in at least five of the events.

About Akron Promise:
Akron Promise was founded in 2016 by Tom and Daralee Ghinder. Akron Promise facilitates success in our city, our schools and our families to make Akron the community of choice to live, work and educate our children. We do this by helping students and families access appropriate educational supports, resources, and opportunities. To donate to Akron Promise or to learn more about the organization, visit www.akronpromise.org.