2027 15th Annual Black Squirrel 5K Walk/Run/Roll & 1-Mile Walk/Run/Roll logo
Running15TH Annual

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

Date
April 10, 2027
Distance
2027 15th Annual Black Squirrel 5K Walk/Run/Roll · 2027 Black Squirrel 1-Mile Walk/Run/Roll
Register →

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.

Events

2027 15th Annual Black Squirrel 5K Walk/Run/Roll8 AMRegister →
2027 Black Squirrel 1-Mile Walk/Run/Roll8:05 AMRegister →

Weather

Typical Conditions

It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.

Typical High

56°

Typical Low

34°

Chance of Rain

43%

Based on US Climate Normals data from Ravenna 2 S, 3 mi from the venue.

Sunrise 6:55 AMSunset 8:00 PMDaylight 13h 5m

Host City

About Kent, OH

Population

27,190

as of 2023

Elevation

1,185 ft

Nearest Airport

CAK

Akron Canton Regional Airport · 17 mi

Major Hub

CLE

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport · 32 mi

Time Zone

Eastern Time

From Endurance Grid

A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.

Race Location

Your Next Start Line

What Are You
Waiting For?

Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at 2027 15th Annual Black Squirrel 5K Walk/Run/Roll & 1-Mile Walk/Run/Roll, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.

306

Days to train

Race
2027 15th Annual Black Squirrel 5K Walk/Run/Roll & 1-Mile Walk/Run/Roll
Date
April 10, 2027

From Endurance Grid

About This Sport

Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.

With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.

Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.

Read the Guide

Running

From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the 2027 15th Annual Black Squirrel 5K Walk/Run/Roll & 1-Mile Walk/Run/Roll?
2027 15th Annual Black Squirrel 5K Walk/Run/Roll & 1-Mile Walk/Run/Roll is a running race held in Kent, Ohio on April 10, 2027. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
When and where is the 2027 15th Annual Black Squirrel 5K Walk/Run/Roll & 1-Mile Walk/Run/Roll?
Saturday, April 10, 2027 in Kent, Ohio at Kent State University, Kent, OH. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for the 2027 15th Annual Black Squirrel 5K Walk/Run/Roll & 1-Mile Walk/Run/Roll?
Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.

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

Apr 10, 2027

Register →