Fitting the Kent State Homecoming theme of “Kent State pride is worldwide,” the 14th annual Bowman Cup 5k race is set to open the weekend’s events Saturday morning.

Senior advertising major Steven Langdon, doubling as a race volunteer as well as a member of the Homecoming court, said there is a new digital component to the event. For the first time, people can run the 5k even if they aren’t starting at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center.

“We did this because people said, ‘I’m really sad that I can’t be in Kent for Homecoming,’” Langdon said. “But how awesome would it be to be there in spirit?”

Kent State faculty, alumni, community members and current students may participate anywhere, as Langdon said some runners will run the virtual race from California, Oklahoma and Great Britain. Around 500-700 runners typically run in the race, and those not on campus will report the results from their locations.

“We’ve had demand for (the virtual race) in the past few years,” Langdon said. “We hope they’ll even use social media during the race.”

Runners can be awarded with a glass cup with the race’s logo — a fedora — designed on the side. Other winners may earn a fedora hat, as both the logo and the hat are inspired by former Kent State president George Bowman.

Contact Jimmy Miller at [email protected].