2027 15th Annual Black Squirrel 5K Walk/Run/Roll & 1-Mile Walk/Run/Roll

Event Overview

Please join us for our annual spring race which will take place on Saturday, Apr. 10, 2027. 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 add 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 #KSU2027BlackSquirrel.

Registration Fees

• Early Registration: Up through Sunday, Mar. 21 (T-shirt included)
  • 5k: $30
  • 1-mile: $20
• Late Registration: Monday, Mar. 22 - Saturday, Apr. 10 (no T-shirt)
  • 5k: $25
  • 1-mile: $15

T-Shirts

• Performance Shirt: All participants registered by Mar. 21 will receive a performance race shirt. Race shirts may be available for purchase on race day based on availability.
• Pick-Up: T-shirts and race bibs will be available for pick-up at the Beverly J. Warren Student Recreation & Wellness Center located at 1550 Ted Boyd Drive, Kent, Ohio 44242.
  • Friday, Apr. 10: 4 - 6:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Apr. 11: starting at 7 a.m.

Race Course

The race course map can be found online at Kent State RecWell.

Prizes

• Overall Winners: Cash prizes for overall male and female winners
  • First Place: $75
  • Second Place: $50
  • Third Place: $25
• Age Group Medals: 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 2027 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.

More Information

For more details and to register, visit the race page at Black Squirrel 5K Race.