Event History

Back in the 1960ies & 1970ies Canton & the downtown YMCA were one of the leading running centers in the nation. Names like Russ Harris, Tom White, and Bob Fausnaught were just a few of the many names involved in promoting running in the Canton area. There was once a Canton Marathon & a ten miler from the Massillon YMCA to The downtown Canton YMCA called the Sheriff's Trophy Race. The "Stomp the Grapes" 1/2 Marathon is an attempt to carry on the tradition of running in the Stark County area.

In 2006, with the support of Mayor Bob Benson of the Village of Navarre, and the support of Stark Parks, a course was laid out starting at Prennial Vineyards Winery and winding throught the Village of Navarre, Bethelhem Park, The Towpath Trail, Craig Pittman Park, & ending at the winery. In 2006 in the inagural race 201 runners finished the race. In 2007 we had 292 finishers (68% increase) in the 1/2 marathon & 23 relay teams of 3 members each for a total of 361 participants. In 2008 we had 269 finishers in the half marathon and 46 relay teams with three members each for a total of 407 finishers.   In 2009 the event was moved to Maize Valley Winery in Hartville.   In 2009 we had 263 finishers in the half marathon and 37 relay teams.
 
Our goal for the race is to continue grow.   We hope that you will consider joining us in 2010!