When asking the students of Kent State University about black squirrels, and whether they are loved or hated, the students here cant deny that these fuzzy little critters are very much a part of our school and lives. I mean, we did name a race after them!
Event though there was a few inches of slush, snow, and ice, it was a Saturday, and it was 8 a.m., there was still a total of 250+ runners dedicated to the 6th annual Black Squirrel 5k race! April 9, 2016, nested in front of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, Kent State University once again hosted the race that is named after the unofficial mascot, the black squirrel. This race includes a loop of the trails around campus, several age groups of racers, and prizes for the overall winner. All of this information can be found around the university and on the website, but a student perspective might change some opinions on why you should run.
Though I have never had the opportunity to run myself, I know it is well known and supported around campus. The Black Squirrel 5K is a usual acknowledgment of spring, seeing that now the roads will be clear of ice and the runners will be able to enjoy warmer, nicer weather. However, this year, the temperature was around 30° F, and the layer of snow didn’t exactly make running easy.
Still, these 250+ runners managed to make the race loop: through campus via the Esplanade, then through the Portage Bike and Hike Trail. This time and area is usually the best place for these runners to see the black squirrels on and off campus.
Many students know of the history of the black squirrels, since they have become so abundant around the Kent State campus, city, and surrounding areas. In 1961, a man named Larry Wooddell took a trip to Canada for a business trip. Whilst there, he noticed these squirrels, which were very scarce around Kent, being about 1 in 500,000 squirrels. So, with the help of his friend “Biff," he decided to trap and move 10 squirrels back with him to Kent. Since then, they have multiplied dramatically, finding a special place in the hearts of the Kent community.
Back to the race results, the overall first place runner title was awarded to Luke Hickman, a 22-year-old from Willoughby hills. He ran the race in 16 minutes and 39 seconds, which would be about a 5:18/M pace. He was followed by Mason Moore of Barnesville, finishing in second place with a time of 18:04, and Gabriel Piriz of Kent, finishing third just a few seconds behind at 18:12. The age range for this race is from 6 to 80+, and they come from areas all around Kent, some from even out of state. After the race, inside the SRWC, there was a ceremony held, where the winners above received a cash prize, and the winners in their respective age groups received metals.
I think that next year, I will run the race. I find it interesting that these squirrels have made their ways into our hearts in such a way that we, as a university, are having races, festivals, radio stations, and unofficial mascot statuses for them. This race is supposed to be a way to welcome spring, and to see the campus in a different light. This year may have been colder than years prior, but the spirit and the point of race was as hot as ever. It is just one extra little thing that brings the university and community closer, while being sure to include these squirrels in this community atmosphere.
If you’re interested in learning more about the race, click here.
And if you want to learn more about the history of Kent and these squirrels, click here or here.
