2026 14th Annual Black Squirrel 5K Walk/Run & 1-Mile Walk/Run/Roll
Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 8:00 AM EDT
- Location
- Kent, OH
- Kent State University, 1550 Ted Boyd Drive, 44242
- Type
- RUN
Sign up and verify details on the organizer’s official page.
At a glance
Run through Kent State University's campus, keeping an eye out for the infamous black squirrels, with competitive awards and an inclusive atmosphere.
- Fun
- Competitive
- Quirky
Fun
Competitive
QuirkyGood fit for
- Awards
- Shirt
Awards
ShirtJoin the 14th Annual Black Squirrel 5K Walk/Run & 1-Mile Walk/Run/Roll on the Kent State University campus. Named after the university's unofficial mascot, this spring event welcomes all participants to a loop course that winds through campus via the Esplanade. Keep an eye out for the infamous black squirrels as you navigate a few small hills. Competitive runners can vie for cash prizes and age group medals, while everyone enjoys a performance race shirt with early registration.
What to expect
- A loop course on the Kent State University campus, featuring a few small hills.
- Early registrants receive a performance race shirt.
- Cash prizes for overall winners and medals for age group placers.
Standout details
- Named after the Black Squirrel mascot
- Campus Esplanade route
- Cash prizes for overall winners
- Medals for age group placers
Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.
Distances & registration
2 optionsRegistration for all distances is through the official signup link above.
- 1 Miles
Sat, Apr 11, 8:05 AM EDT · From $18.05
Opens Sep 9, 2025, 8:00 PM EDT · Closes Mar 22, 2026, 7:59 PM EDT
- 3.1 Miles
Sat, Apr 11, 8:00 AM EDT · From $28.75
Opens Sep 9, 2025, 8:00 PM EDT · Closes Mar 24, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT
The course
- Flat
- Timed race
- Race swag
From the public listing — confirm on the official site.
From the organizer
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.
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