2027 15th Annual Black Squirrel 5K Walk/Run/Roll & 1-Mile Walk/Run/Roll - 2027 15th Annual Black Squirrel 5K Walk/Run/Roll
Also in this race
These events were grouped as one card in discovery—pick another distance or date without going back.
External Event
Distance
3.1 mi
Pace
All paces
Terrain
Road
Difficulty
All Levels
About this run
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 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 #KSU2027BlackSquirrel. Registration Fees Up through Sunday, Mar. 21 (T-shirt included) $30 (5k)$20 (1-mile) Monday, Mar. 22 - Saturday, Apr. 10 (no T-shirt) $25 (5k)$15 (1-mile) T-Shirts 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.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 $75Second Place $50Third Place $25 First, second and third place male and female winners in the following age groups will receive medals: 6 - 910 - 1415 - 1920 - 2425 - 2930 - 3435 - 3940 - 4445 - 4950 - 5455 - 5960 - 6465 - 6970 - 7475 - 7980+ 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.
Typical conditions
For events around April 2027 in Kent, OH, United States: Typical spring conditions in this region — mornings can still be cool; confirm start-time guidance on the official page.
How to prepare
Most runners can prepare for a 5K with a few weeks of easy runs and one short faster session per week. Focus on consistency, not volume, and rest the day before race day.
Beginner's guide to your first 5KGetting there
This event is listed in Kent, OH, United States. Confirm the exact start venue, parking, and transit options on the official registration page.
Registration is handled by the official event organizer
Know a local group? Host a community run in Kent
Also in this race
- Apr 10, 2027 · 1:00 PM (this one)
- Apr 10, 2027 · 1:05 PM
