location_city Kent
location_on Ohio
flag United States
calendar_today 11 Apr, 2026
directions_run Running
language Official Website
RegisterPlease 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
T-Shirts
Race Course
Race course map can be found online at https://www.kent.edu/recwell/black-squirrel-5k-race
Prizes:
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.
Apr 11, 2026
Distance — 3.1 Miles
Type — Road running
08:00
Apr 11, 2026
Distance — 1 Miles
Type — Road running
08:05
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Kent.
Kent is a college town in Northeast Ohio. Kent, the home of Kent State University, is a quaint town with a very diverse community where northeast Ohio locals mix with students from across the state nation and globe. Kent is also home to many annual events, such as its annual Folk Music Festival.
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