Carlton Daze 5K Run/Walk

Carlton Daze 5K Run/Walk – Friday, July 24, 2026
FAMILY FRIENDLY – CHIP TIMED – ALL AGES AND ABILITIES WELCOME!

The Carlton Daze 5K Run/Walk is a family-friendly, chip-timed event that welcomes participants of all ages and abilities. This annual race kicks off the weekend-long small-town celebration and takes you through the heart of Carlton and a scenic stretch of Jay Cooke State Park via the Willard Munger State Trail.

This year marks a huge milestone — Carlton’s first-ever fire truck turns 100! This beloved piece of local history has proudly led the 5K and Carlton Daze parade for decades and still transports the Grand Marshal each year. To celebrate:

• The historic fire truck will once again lead the 5K in grand style
• This year’s 5K t-shirts feature the fire truck front and center
• After the race, the truck will be on display for photo ops
• Cupcakes will be available post-race to help mark the occasion!
   

After the 5K, be sure to wander around town - grab a cold beer, enjoy great food, catch some live music, and celebrate with us as Carlton Daze kicks into full swing!

 
5K COURSE:
5K (3.1 miles) – Includes 2 water stops
• Runners line up at the front
• Walkers line up behind the runners
Note: Walkers are to walk only – no running. If you plan to run, jog, or race, please register under the Runner category.

 
5K AWARDS:
Awards ceremony immediately following the race.
• Medals awarded to the overall top 3 men and women in both walking and running divisions
• Top 3 men and women in each age group will also be posted at the race and online:
12 & under, 13–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70+

 
GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY – DON’T MISS OUT!
Following the awards ceremony, we’ll host a gift card giveaway featuring prizes from generous local businesses.

All racers are entered, and last year we gave away over $1,000 in gift cards!
Be sure to stick around — you just might win!

 
PRICING (Includes T-shirt):

Opting out of the shirt? Take $10 off your registration!
• Ages 18+: $35 through July 21, then increases to $40
• Ages 9–17: $25
• Ages 0–8: Free (T-shirt not included, but youth shirts are available for purchase)

Register by July 16 to guarantee your t-shirt size!

After July 16, only shirts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last on race day! But don’t fret – if we run out of your size on race day you can either choose a different size or you’ll be able to pick up your preferred size at a later date at Big Frog Custom T-Shirts in Hermantown.  

 
BACK THIS YEAR – $20 REFERRAL REWARD!
Refer 5 friends using your personal referral link (provided after registering) and receive $20 off your registration!

 
EVENT DAY SCHEDULE – Friday, July 24, 2026:
• Kids Fun Races (Ages 2–8):
Registration/Check-in: 4:00–5:15 PM
Races Start: 5:30 PM

• 5K Run/Walk:
Registration/Check-in: 4:00–6:00 PM
Race Starts: 6:30 PM
(Must check in at least 30 minutes prior to race time)

 
POST-RACE REFRESHMENTS:
• Bottled water provided by Caywood Country Store
• Fresh fruit (apples & bananas) provided by Jim N Jo’s Catering
• Cupcakes to celebrate 100 years of Carlton’s first fire truck!

 
Proceeds from this event will benefit the Carlton Area Chamber of Commerce and its community and member initiatives. Thank you for your support!

PLEASE NOTE: This is a fundraiser – all registration fees are non-refundable.

Access the FULL Carlton Daze Schedule Here!

Join fellow runners on July 24, 2026 for the Carlton Daze 5K Run/Walk. It's a fantastic 5K featuring a flat and fast course in Carlton.