In a 5K race, winners typically win a cash prize and a medal or trophy.

But one Kent State race doesn’t give winners those typical prizes. The 12th annual Bowman Cup 5K Race, which takes place 8 a.m. Saturday, awards not a trophy cup, but a drinking cup, to its winners.

Jason Hawk, former marketing coordinator for the department of recreational services, said the Bowman Cup was meant to make the race unique in comparison to other local races.

“The race is called the Bowman Cup, so it seems fitting that the winners receive a cup instead of a traditional medal,” Hawk said.

Nancy Schiappa, associate director of alumni relations, said winners received medals until 2002.

The designs of the cup and race logo have changed almost every year. Sometime the cups are pint glasses, goblet glasses or tall beer glasses. They have been clear, frosted and even blue.

No one could say who actually came up with the idea of the cup, but Abby Millsaps, marketing coordinator for the department of recreational services, said receiving a cup is and will remain a Bowman Cup tradition.

“I think the Bowman cups are a fun prize,” Millsaps said. “If you win the race multiple years, you will have a collection of cups.”

The Bowman Cup 5K Race awards overall winners with a cash prize, a gift certificate to Second Sole, a fedora hat and a signature Bowman cup.

Category winners will receive a fedora hat and a signature Bowman cup. First, second and third place awards will be given in each of the student, alumni, employees and community categories.

Age group winners will receive a signature Bowman cup. First, second and third place awards will be given for all age categories.

The 12th Annual Bowman Cup begins at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.

Contact Breanna Reffel at [email protected].