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

location_city Kent

location_on Ohio

flag United States

calendar_today 11 Apr, 2026

directions_run Running

language Official Website

Register

About the Event

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

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.

Races Offered

2026 14th Annual Black Squirrel 5K Run

Apr 11, 2026

straighten

Distance — 3.1 Miles

terrain

Type — Road running

timer

08:00

2026 Black Squirrel 1-Mile Walk/Roll/Run

Apr 11, 2026

straighten

Distance — 1 Miles

terrain

Type — Road running

timer

08:05

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Kent.

Temp (°C)
Feels Like (°C)
thermostat 5.4° / 16.2°
wb_sunny 1.3° / 12.6°
Wind (km/h)
Humidity (%)
air 13.4 /
water_drop 66.7%

About Kent

Scenic view of

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.

Read more launch

Hotels & Places to Stay

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