2026 14th Annual Black Squirrel 5K Walk/Run & 1-Mile Walk/Roll/Run

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.