2026 14th Annual Black Squirrel 5K Walk/Run & 1-Mile Walk/Run/Roll
- Date Sat 11th April 2026
- Time 8:00AM EDT
- Location Kent, Ohio
- Price $23.40 - $34.10
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5km, 1 Mile
Event summary
Get ready to lace up your running shoes for the 14th Annual Black Squirrel 5K Walk/Run and 1-Mile Walk/Run/Roll on Saturday, April 11, 2026, in the vibrant city of Kent, Portage! This exciting spring race celebrates the beloved unofficial mascot of Kent State University and invites participants of all ages and abilities to join in the fun. The scenic 5K course is a loop that starts and finishes near the Beverly J. Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center, taking you on a delightful journey through the campus along the Esplanade, complete with a few small hills and of course, the chance to spot the famous black squirrels!
Whether you're looking to compete or enjoy a leisurely stroll, there's something for everyone. You can register for just $30 for the 5K or $20 for the 1-mile event until March 22, 2026, which includes a performance race shirt. After this date, registration fees will be slightly lower, but shirts will not be included. With exciting cash prizes for the overall male and female winners, as well as medals for top finishers in various age groups, the Black Squirrel event promises to be a thrilling day of community spirit
Whether you're looking to compete or enjoy a leisurely stroll, there's something for everyone. You can register for just $30 for the 5K or $20 for the 1-mile event until March 22, 2026, which includes a performance race shirt. After this date, registration fees will be slightly lower, but shirts will not be included. With exciting cash prizes for the overall male and female winners, as well as medals for top finishers in various age groups, the Black Squirrel event promises to be a thrilling day of community spirit
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.
Races
Reviews
Done this event?
First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event.
Add a reviewLocation
Kent State University, 1550 Ted Boyd Drive, Kent, 44242, OH, United States
Who's In
See who else is doing this event
Be the first
No-one has marked this event as 'Doing' or 'Maybe' yet. Will you be the first?
2026 14th Annual Black Squirrel 5K Walk/Run & 1-Mile Walk/Run/Roll
