Kenmore Cowbell 7K

  • Date Sat 6th June 2026
  • Time 8:00AM EDT
  • Location Akron, Ohio
  • Price Free - $32.80
  • Races 5 races
  • Distances 1 Mile

Event summary

Join the excitement at the Kenmore Cowbell 7K on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Akron, Summit! This vibrant event showcases the stunning Summit Lake Trail and the lively atmosphere of Akron's Music Row, making it a unique blend of natural beauty and urban charm. Runners will start at the historic Rialto Theatre at 8 a.m., greeted by the energizing sounds of guitars and, of course, cowbells!

Participants will traverse the scenic route along Kenmore Boulevard, through picturesque neighborhoods, and across beautiful bridges, culminating in a fun and festive finish. Expect a cheering crowd, including enthusiastic "Will Ferrell wannabes," who will make your race experience unforgettable. Plus, every finisher will receive a commemorative medal featuring a real cowbell! With a variety of race packages available, this event promises fun for everyone, all while supporting a great cause: providing resources and scholarships to Akron Public School students. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of a cherished local tradition!

Organiser's Description

On Saturday, June 7, Akron Promise will host the fourth in its 15-race City Series, the Cowbell 7k, which highlights historic the newly constructed Summit Lake Trail as well as Akrons Music Row, Kenmore Boulevard, where guitar shops and percussion are plentiful.

The Cowbell 7k is unique not only in its distance but in its combination of natural and urban experiences. The race will kick off at 8 a.m. at the historic Rialto Theatre to the sound of guitars and cow bells. It will continue east on Kenmore Boulevard to the south end of Summit Lake, Akron's only glacial lake, where runners will connect to the Towpath via the Summit Lake Trail. A bridge will take them across the water past Summit Metro Parks Summit Lake Nature Center and Summit Lake Park. Runners will cross the Ohio & Erie Canal via a second bridge and head west, then south along the north side of the lake through a picturesque neighborhood. Runners will experience a slight uphill roll on Kenmore Boulevard which will level out, then head slightly downhill to finish to a bevy of Will Ferrell wannabes cheering them on with more cowbell than the Blue Oyster Cult can shake a drumstick at.

The finishers medal will include a literal cowbell: complete with ringer and all. Runners who finish five of the Akron Promise City Series races will receive a specially designed medal by an Akron Artist.

According to the races organizer, Nick Korora, a 1996 graduate of Kenmore High School, the origins of the cowbell theme are all local. Ellen Benn, known to Kenmore residents as Grandma Benn, was known as Kenmore High Schools biggest cheerleader. For over 60 years, she was a fixture at Kenmore High School sporting events, ringing her signature cowbell for the likes of the countrys longest-serving Mayor Don Plusquellic and former New York Jets players Dave and Don Buckey.

Although Benn died in 2006, Korora sees the race as an opportunity to keep her spirit alive.

Spectators are a huge part of this race, just as Grandma Benn was a huge part of our childhoods, Korora explained. We offer a variety of race packages, so whether you want to be an athlete, Grandma Benn or Will Ferrell for the day, theres an opportunity for everyone to participate and have fun.

Proceeds from the race will provide resources, mentorship and post-secondary scholarships to Akron Public School students in Kenmore and surrounding communities.

Discounted registration is available until April 5, 2025

Aware Categories
Top 3 Active Military of Veterans
Top 3 Kenmore High School Graduates
Top 3 Breast Cancer Survivors
Top 3 Female and Male Adult and Youth Champions
Top 3 Male And Female in these Age Categories
18-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-50
60-64
65-69
70+

Races

  • Adult 7K Run/Walk

    Incl. $2.80 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 6th June 2026 (8:00AM EDT)

    $32.80

    OPENS 07 JAN 26
  • Student 7K Run/Walk

    Incl. $2.20 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 6th June 2026 (8:00AM EDT)

    $22.20

    OPENS 07 JAN 26
  • BLVD Mile

    Incl. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 6th June 2026 (8:05AM EDT)

    $27.50

    OPENS 11 JAN 26
  • Spectator!

    Incl. $1.30 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 6th June 2026 (8:00AM EDT)

    $6.30

    OPENS 07 JAN 26
  • Cowbell 7K Volunteer

    Incl. T-Shirt

    Sat 6th June 2026 (8:00AM EDT)

    Free

    OPENS 11 JAN 26

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Location

1000 Kenmore Blvd, Akron, 44314, OH, United States

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