Pie Day 5K

The Pie Day 5K is a signature event of the Arkansas Pie Festival, taking place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Cherokee Village, Arkansas. Managed by Stearns Racing, the race provides a professional timing experience for both runners and walkers. The event is strategically scheduled to conclude just as the festival begins, allowing participants to earn their treats before sampling pies from commercial, home chef, and student bakers across the state. Proceeds from the event benefit community education by supporting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) programming through the Spring River Innovation Hub.

Cherokee Village is a planned recreational community located in Sharp and Fulton counties in the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas. The city has a year-round population of approximately 4,800 residents. The demographic profile of Cherokee Village is roughly 93.4% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, and 0.2% Asian. The median annual household income is approximately $41,000. Geographically, the area is defined by its seven lakes and the South Fork of the Spring River, featuring rolling hills and forested terrain. In late April, the regional climate is typically mild; average daytime highs reach 22°C (72°F), while morning race starts average around 10°C (50°F). The course starts at the former Village Service Station and winds through the scenic Town Center district.

The race serves as the kickoff for a larger festival that includes a charity pie auction, a "Cutie Pie" pet parade, and a pie-eating contest. Bakers at the festival compete for a "Golden Ticket" to the World Food Championship Dessert Competition. Participants gather at 1 Santee Drive, located across from City Hall, which serves as the central hub for timing and logistics. While t-shirts are included with early registration, they are not guaranteed for those signing up on the morning of the event. Beyond the run, the festival atmosphere features live music, food trucks, and a dedicated kids' zone, making it a major regional draw for the Spring River area community.