The Choose Joy for Melina 5K

This year we are COMBINING two of our favorite events, the CHOOSE JOY on the Green and our 5K!  Melina always said, "It's NEVER ENOUGH!"  Well, now it's MORE!  An in-person 5K, a Virtual option, support from far and wide, AND... all the kid's fun!  Everything Melina loved - a party, a race, and JOY!  Help us fight for MORE than 4!  Help us find a cure for pediatric brain tumors.  Together this September we fight for JOY! 

In-Person 5K:  Sunday, September 13th, 2026, at Canfield High School (100 Cardinal Drive, Canfield, Ohio 44406). Packet Pick-Up & Race Day Registration:  2:00pm-3:15pm.  5K start:  3:30pm.

Kids Fun Run (Ages 8 & Under):  Sunday, September 13th, 2026, at 5:00pm.  The 400 Meter Kids Fun Run is free and is one lap on the track.

Virtual 5K:  September 13th, 2026, through October 13th, 2026.  Packets may be shipped for $10 or participants can pick up their packets on Saturday, September 13th from 10:00am-12:00pm at the Hampton Inn Canfield (6690 Ironwood Blvd, Canfield, Ohio 44406). Virtual participants can submit their time to josh@gcxcracing.com or they can upload times through this website.  Click on the "Results" tab.  If you run a faster 5K time at any point thereafter, you may resubmit your time to be updated.

Choose Joy Day:  The free kids' event will take place from 2:00pm-6:00pm and open to all racers, guests, and everyone who is CHOOSING JOY!

* Please note that participant tshirts are only guaranteed through August 27th, 2026.

Join fellow runners on October 4, 2021 for the The Choose Joy for Melina 5K. It's a fantastic 5K featuring a flat and fast course in Canfield.