
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
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 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
Weather
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.
Host City
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
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
Coming Up
Around the Beach
5 miles away
2025 Run That Shall Not Be Named 5K
Less than a mile away
2026 Run the Galaxy 5K
Less than a mile away
All-Stars at the Alley
7 miles away
From Endurance Grid
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.
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)
2027 15th Annual Black Squirrel 5K Walk/Run/Roll & 1-Mile Walk/Run/Roll
Apr 10, 2027