14th Annual Black Squirrel 5K Walk/Run & 1-Mile Walk/Run/Roll – Kent, OH 2026

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 av