Bowman Cup 5K kicks off Homecoming Festivities

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Runners stand poised at the starting line of the 15th annual Bowman VCup 5k race during Homecoming Weekend on October 3, 2015.

Elizabeth Randolph

  The 15th annual Bowman Cup 5K took place on Saturday as a part of the Homecoming events.

    Named after the fedora-loving former Kent State University President George Bowman, the race follows a USA Track and Field certified course starting at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center and follows the Portage Hike and Bike Trail, which leads runners on a scenic route through Kent State’s surrounding community.

    In addition to the traditional 5K, race organizers added 15K Crystal Challenge. For $15, participants completed a 15K by running/walking, biking, swimming, ice-skating or playing disc golf.

   The first two 5Ks of the challenge are to be completed one week before (Sept. 27 – Oct. 2) the Bowman Cup took place and the remaining 5K was completed on race day. All participants in the challenge were responsible for proof of participation when they checked in at the race. Proof can come in the form of a photo or a record on a running recorder app such as Map My Run. Every participant that completes the challenge received a special engraved crystal prism.

    The Bowman Cup 5K is usually associated with Homecoming, but is also a way to celebrate Bowman and his legacy to Kent State.  

Elizabeth Randolph is the senior news editor for The Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected].