4 running, walking, and fun run events in Kent, Ohio

Please join us for our annual spring race which will take place on Saturday, Apr. 11, 2026. The race, named after Kent State University's unofficial mascot, will be available for anyone to participate. The traditional 5k course is a loop course which begins and ends near the entrance to the Beverly J. Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center on the campus of Kent State University. The course will be marked if you are in Kent and would like to run the actual course. The course takes you through the campus via the Esplanade. A few small hills adds to the experience but be on the lookout for the infamous black squirrels!

On race day, post your photo or video on your social media account and tag us at #KSU2026BlackSquirrel.

Registration Fees

• Up through Sunday, Mar. 22 (T-shirt included)

• $30 (5k)

• $20 (1-mile)

• Monday, Mar. 23 - Saturday, Apr. 11 (no T-shirt)

• $25 (5k)

• $15 (1-mile)

T-Shirts

• All participants registered by Mar. 23 will receive a performance race shirt. Race shirts may be available for purchase on race day based on availability.

• T-shirts and race bibs will be available for pick-up as follows at the Beverly J. Warren Student Recreation & Wellness Center located at 1550 Ted Boyd Drive, Kent, Ohio 44242.

• Friday, Apr. 10 from 4 - 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Apr. 11 starting at 7 a.m.

Race Course

Race course map can be found online at https://www.kent.edu/recwell/black-squirrel-5k-race

Prizes:

• Cash prizes for overall male and female winners

• First Place $75

• Second Place $50

• Third Place $25

• First, second and third place male and female winners in the following age groups will receive medals:

• 6 - 9

• 10 - 14

• 15 - 19

• 20 - 24

• 25 - 29

• 30 - 34

• 35 - 39

• 40 - 44

• 45 - 49

• 50 - 54

• 55 - 59

• 60 - 64

• 65 - 69

• 70 - 74

• 75 - 79

• 80+

Cancellation policy

Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable to another person, event or year. The 2026 Black Squirrel 5k Run & 1-mile Walk/Roll/Run will be held rain or shine. Recreation and Wellness Services reserves the right to refuse any entry.

All proceeds raised and charitable contributions collected will be used to benefit the “NOAC Geared to HEAR Fund” which was created by local Doctorate of Audiology students in order to provide hearing aids and hearing healthcare for an Akron community member in need. The NOAC Geared to HEAR fund covers the entire cost of a new set of hearing aids and all of the associated care that this community member would need in relation to their hearing in one year.

2026 10th Annual Race Into Finals at Kent State University is Saturday, May 2!

5K & 1-Mile Run/Walk

🏃‍♀️ Sprint towards summer and join this fun, community race! Funds raised benefit the College of Nursing Student Emergency Fund. 🏃‍♂️

📅 Date: Saturday May 2, 2026

🏃 1 Mile Fun Run: 8:30 AM

🏃‍♀️ 5K Race: 9:00 AM

📍 Location: Kent State University

🚗 Parking: Free parking is available at Henderson Hall R8 lot and C Science Lots.

⚠️ Please note: R8 lot access will be closed from 8:30 AM – 9:05 AM during the race.

What’s Included?

✔️ Race timing

✔️ Post-race snacks

✔️ Exclusive soft T-shirt (Register by April 23 to guarantee yours!)

Registration Fees:

💰 5K: $30 (Students get $10 off with code "Student")

💰 1 Mile: $15

💰 Bring 2 friends! Refer two people and get a $5 refund!

Fun Awards & Prizes!

🏆 Top finishers, male and female, overall, and age groups

🏆 "Middle of the Pack" Finisher

🏆 "School Your Professor" Challenge

Packet Pickup:

📦 Race Day: Starting at 7:30 AM

📦 Early Pickup (optional): Friday afternoon before race- 3pm-5pm Henderson Hall

Registration Deadlines:

🖥️ Online Registration Closes: April 30

📝 Day-of Registration: Available until 8:15 AM (cash or check only) $35 for 5 K, and $20 for 1 mile.

Not a Runner? No Problem!

💙 Donate: Support the cause with a tax-deductible donation! Make a Contribution Here

💙 Volunteer: Sign up to help along the race route & cheer on participants!

💙Sponsorship Become a corporate sponsor or donor and make a meaningful impact!