5K races near Niles

The Kent Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving morning family race in Kent, Ohio, featuring a 5K run/walk and a short Fun Run/Walk. The Fun Run begins at 9:00 a.m. and is under 800 meters. The 5K starts at 9:15 a.m., with awards presented later in the morning. The event is based out of Kent Park and Rec’s Shelter House, the location for pre-race packet pickup. There is no same-day registration. Last year's event sold out due to demand. The first 700 pre-registered 5K participants receive a fleece blanket or a soft crew sweatshirt. Fun Run participants receive T-shirts and ribbons. Awards for the 5K are given to overall winners and age-group runners from 14-and-under through 80-plus.

Twas the Night Before 5K is a holiday-season 5K held in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. The start and finish are located near the Queens Theater. The main race follows a USATF certified 5-kilometer course. Families can also include a free Kiddie Dash for younger participants. A virtual 5K option is available for those preferring to run on their own schedule rather than in the in-person event. The course consists of one loop through the park, passing the Unisphere twice and circling the Fountain of the Planets. This route offers participants two views of a prominent Queens landmark. Finishers will receive a medal ornament and a "Twas’ the Night" shirt, adding a seasonal element to the race. The format remains straightforward: a park 5K, a kids’ dash, hydration at the finish, sponsor refreshments, and essential race-day support near the finish line.

The Black Squirrel 5K Walk/Run/Roll & 1-Mile Walk/Run/Roll is an annual spring race held on the Kent State University campus in Kent, Ohio. It is named for the university’s unofficial mascot, and the format welcomes runners, walkers, and participants using wheels, rather than being exclusively for competitive runners. The traditional 5K loop begins and ends near the entrance to the Beverly J. Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center. The route crosses campus via the Esplanade, including a few small hills. Participants should watch for black squirrels along the course, and the event encourages sharing race-day photos or videos using the event hashtag. Early registrants receive a performance race shirt; later entrants may purchase one if available.

The second annual Sole to City event offers an iconic run through Mill Creek Park, finishing downtown. Kids 12 and under can run the downtown course for free. An afterparty with a celebration village is at Penguin City Brewing.