Get ready for a unique blend of urban energy and natural beauty at the Kenmore Cowbell 7K, set to take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Akron, OH. This distinctive 7K race, part of the Akron Promise City Series, offers a memorable experience that kicks off at 8:00 AM from the historic Rialto Theatre on Kenmore Boulevard, Akron's vibrant "Music Row." Runners will embark on a course that leads them east along Kenmore Boulevard before connecting to the scenic Summit Lake Trail and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath. Participants will traverse bridges, taking in picturesque views of Summit Lake, Akron's only glacial lake, and passing the Summit Lake Nature Center. The course features a slight uphill challenge on Kenmore Boulevard on the return, followed by a rewarding downhill stretch to the finish line. Typical race day conditions in early June include comfortable highs around 79°F and lows near 58°F, with a modest 16% chance of precipitation, providing pleasant running weather.

What truly sets the Kenmore Cowbell 7K apart is its spirited atmosphere and deep community roots. Inspired by Ellen Benn, affectionately known as "Grandma Benn," a legendary Kenmore High School cheerleader who famously rang her cowbell for over six decades, the race carries on her legacy of enthusiastic support. Expect an "uplifting atmosphere" with lively spectators, including "Will Ferrell wannabes" ready to cheer you on with an abundance of cowbell cheers. Every finisher is celebrated with a unique medal that includes a literal cowbell, serving as a lasting memento of this one-of-a-kind event. Proceeds from the Kenmore Cowbell 7K directly benefit Akron Public School students in Kenmore and surrounding communities, providing valuable resources, mentorship, and post-secondary scholarships.