Skip to main content
Run Vibes
Join
Browse races
2027 15th Annual Black Squirrel 5K Walk/Run/Roll & 1-Mile Walk/Run/Roll logo

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

Sat, Apr 10, 2027, 8:00 AM EDT

Location
Kent, OH
Kent State University, 1550 Ted Boyd Drive, 44242
Type
RUN
Official registrationPast results (if available)

Sign up and verify details on the organizer’s official page.

At a glance

Run or roll through Kent State University's campus, keeping an eye out for the infamous black squirrels, and compete for cash prizes and age group medals.

  • Competitive
  • Quirky

Join the 15th Annual Black Squirrel 5K Walk/Run/Roll and 1-Mile Walk/Run/Roll on the Kent State University campus. This spring event, named for the university's unofficial mascot, offers a loop course through campus via the Esplanade, featuring a few small hills. Participants can look forward to spotting the infamous black squirrels. Cash prizes are awarded to overall male and female winners, and medals are presented to top finishers across many age groups, making it a great race for those seeking a competitive edge. Early registrants receive a performance race shirt.

What to expect

  • * A campus loop course with a few small hills, taking you through the Esplanade.
  • * Keep an eye out for Kent State's unofficial mascot, the black squirrels.
  • * Early registrants receive a performance race shirt.

Standout details

  • Cash prizes for overall winners
  • Medals for age group winners
  • Performance race shirt for early registrants
  • Kent State campus course

Perks & features

  • Awards
  • Shirt

From the public listing — confirm on the official site.

Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.

Distances & registration

2 options

Registration for all distances is through the official signup link above.

  • 1 Miles

    Sat, Apr 10, 8:05 AM EDT · From $18.05

    Opens Apr 16, 2026, 8:00 PM EDT · Closes Apr 10, 2027, 4:00 AM EDT

  • 3.1 Miles

    Sat, Apr 10, 8:00 AM EDT · From $28.75

    Opens Apr 16, 2026, 8:00 PM EDT · Closes Apr 10, 2027, 4:00 AM EDT

Vibe Check

Easygoing

The course

  • Flat
  • Timed race
From the organizer

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 $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 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.

Also in this area

Similar vibe nearby

Races nearby with a similar atmosphere.

Easier options nearby

Lower-difficulty races in the same state.

More demanding options nearby

Higher-difficulty races in the same state.