2026 14th Annual Black Squirrel 5K Walk/Run & 1-Mile Walk/Roll/Run
- Date Sat 11th April 2026
- Time 8:00AM EDT
- Location Kent, Ohio
- Price $23.40 - $34.10
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5km, 1 Mile
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Event summary
Get ready for a fun-filled day of fitness and community at the 14th Annual Black Squirrel 5K Walk/Run and 1-Mile Walk/Roll/Run on Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Kent, Portage! This exciting spring event, inspired by Kent State University's beloved unofficial mascot, invites participants of all ages and abilities to join in on the action. The traditional 5K course is a scenic loop that starts and finishes at the Beverly J. Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center, taking you through the picturesque campus along the Esplanade. Keep an eye out for the playful black squirrels as you tackle a few small hills along the route!
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll, this event has something for everyone. Registration is open until race day, with fees starting at just $20 for the 1-mile event and $30 for the 5K, including a performance T-shirt for those who register by March 22. Participants will also have the chance to win exciting cash prizes and medals in various age categories. Don’t forget to capture your race day moments and share them on social media with the hashtag #KSU2026BlackSquirrel. Join
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll, this event has something for everyone. Registration is open until race day, with fees starting at just $20 for the 1-mile event and $30 for the 5K, including a performance T-shirt for those who register by March 22. Participants will also have the chance to win exciting cash prizes and medals in various age categories. Don’t forget to capture your race day moments and share them on social media with the hashtag #KSU2026BlackSquirrel. Join
Organiser's Description
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.
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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