The James Anderson Built on Belief 7k and 1 Mile Walk

On Saturday, June 6, Akron Promise will host the fifth annual Kenmore Cowbell 7k, which highlights the Summit Lake Trail as well as Akron’s Music Row, Kenmore Boulevard, where guitar shops and percussion are plentiful.

The Cowbell 7k is unique not only in its distance but in its combination of natural and urban experiences. The race will kick off at 8 a.m. at the historic Rialto Theatre to the sound of guitars and cow bells. It will continue east on Kenmore Boulevard to the south end of Summit Lake, Akron's only glacial lake, where runners will connect to the Towpath via the Summit Lake Trail. A bridge will take them across the water past Summit Metro Parks’ Summit Lake Nature Center and Summit Lake Park. Runners will cross the Ohio & Erie Canal via a second bridge and head west, then south along the north side of the lake through a picturesque neighborhood. Runners will experience a slight uphill roll on Kenmore Boulevard which will level out, then head slightly downhill to finish to a bevy of Will Ferrell wannabes cheering them on with more cowbell than the Blue Oyster Cult can shake a drumstick at.

The finishers’ medal will include a literal cowbell: complete with ringer and all. Runners who finish five of the Akron Promise City Series races will receive a specially designed medal by an Akron Artist.

According to the race’s organizer, Nick Korora, a 1996 graduate of Kenmore High School, the origins of the cowbell theme are all local. Ellen Benn, known to Kenmore residents as “Grandma Benn,” was known as Kenmore High School’s biggest cheerleader. For over 60 years, she was a fixture at Kenmore High School sporting events, ringing her signature cowbell for the likes of the country’s longest-serving Mayor Don Plusquellic and former New York Jets players Dave and Don Buckey.

Although Benn died in 2006, Korora sees the race as an opportunity to keep her spirit alive.

“Spectators are a huge part of this race, just as Grandma Benn was a huge part of our childhoods,” Korora explained. “We offer a variety of race packages, so whether you want to be an athlete, Grandma Benn or Will Ferrell for the day, there’s an opportunity for everyone to participate and have fun.”

Proceeds from the race will provide resources, mentorship and post-secondary scholarships to Akron Public School students in Kenmore and surrounding communities.

Discounted registration is available until April 5, 2026

Aware Categories

Top 3 Active Military of Veterans

Top 3 Kenmore High School Graduates

Top 3 Breast Cancer Survivors

Top 3 Female and Male Adult and Youth Champions

Top 3 Male And Female in these Age Categories

18-24

25-29

30-34

35-39

40-44

45-49

50-54

55-50

60-64

65-69

70+

Event Overview

We’ll once again feature community resource tables, along with activities for all ages. The event is designed to celebrate community connections, wellness, and fun for everyone.

5K Challenge

This 5K offers friendly competition for athletes of all ages and abilities. The course features winding trails, hills, and other obstacles, symbolizing the challenges many individuals overcome on their recovery journey. All participants receive a medal.

1-Mile Family Fun Walk

The Family Fun Walk is a great way to get everyone involved! Each paid participant receives a custom shirt. Kids under 5 years old are $5.

Event Schedule

Saturday, June 6, 2026

• 8:00 AM – Packet Pickup & Registration

• 9:00 AM – 5K Start

• 9:15 AM – 1-Mile Start

Awards

5K Awards

Top 3 in each age group:

• 10 & Under

• 11–18

• 19-30

• 31-45

• 46-55

• 56+

The 6th Annual North Hill 5K is a great local event and included in the Akron Promise Race Series. We are honoring long time Track & Field,/Football Coach/Teacher, Joe Lutz. This year's event will take place at the North Hill Community Development Corporation in North Hill on Saturday June 20th at 8:00 AM

Price increase to $35 on May 1st. Proceeds benefit Akron North High School Athletics and the AECHS Running Club