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. 

🎆 NEW THIS YEAR — CARLTON’S FIRST-EVER DRONE SHOW! 10 PM

The fun doesn’t end at the finish line! Following the race and kickoff festivities, Carlton Daze will light up the night sky with its first-ever choreographed drone show — a brand-new addition to the celebration that you won’t want to miss.

After the race, be sure to wander around town and:
• Grab a cold drink
• Enjoy great food and live music
• Explore downtown Carlton and take in the festivities
• Then grab a blanket or lawn chair and settle in for the show!

🐾 SUPPORTING Carlton County Animal Rescue

 This year, we’re also proud to support Carlton County Animal Rescue and the incredible work they do caring for animals in our community.

During registration, participants will have the option to make a donation directly to CCAR. If you choose to opt out of receiving a race t-shirt and save $10 on your registration, we encourage you to consider donating those savings to help local animals in need. 🐶🐱

5K COURSE:
5K (3.1 miles) – Includes 2 water stops
• Runners line up at the front
• Walkers line up behind the runners

Please Note: Walkers are to walk only – no running. If you plan to run, jog, or race, please register under the Runner category.

Strollers are welcome; however, dogs are not permitted on the race course.

 
5K AWARDS:
Awards ceremony immediately following the race.

• Medals awarded to the overall top 3 men and women in both walking and running divisions, 14 years of age and older.

• Medals awarded to the overall top 3 boys and girls in the running division ages, 13 years and younger.

• Top 3 men and women in each age group will also be posted at the race and online: 13 & under, 15–19, 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 — and consider donating those savings to Carlton County Animal Rescue!

• Ages 18+:     $35 through July 10th, then increases to $40
• Ages 9–17:  $25
• Ages 5–8:    Free (T-shirt not included, but youth shirts are available for purchase)
• Ages 0–4:    No registration needed unless you would like to purchase a T-shirt

Register by July 10th to guarantee your t-shirt size!

After July 10th, 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 
• Fresh fruit (apples & bananas)

 
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!