Even in subpar weather, Kent State students, alumni, faculty and community members raced in the 14th annual Bowman Cup 5K Race on Saturday morning.

“For the entire duration of the race it poured down rain, but as bad as that sounds, it was a really great time,” said Brett Bertemes, a sophomore accounting major and one of the racers. “It was almost like motivation.”

While precipitation came down early Saturday morning at Kent State, others may have had sunny mornings, as those who wanted to still be involved with the race ran the Bowman Virtual 5K Race.

“Half the fun is being there with half the crowd of people, but the option to have (the virtual race) is still a good thing,” Bertemes said.

Runners not on Kent State campus raced in areas around the world, including California, Oklahoma and Great Britain, but could not qualify for any prizes or placement awards.

All who did report to the campus race wore a paper bib with a time-keeping chip attached, and started from the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, looped past the Ice Arena and through the Hike and Bike Trail.

“This was my first (Bowman Cup),” said freshman managerial marketing major Marisa Stephens. “It was good to see different organizations that were on the side cheering racers on. I think the cold made some people run a little slower, but it was still fun.”

The race is named after former Kent State President George Bowman, as his love for fedoras and running inspired the logo and prizes for the 5K. Race winners from the student, employee, alumni or community categories earned a white fedora and a Bowman cup with the fedora logo on its side. Winners in strictly age categories were awarded the Bowman cups.

Additionally, organizers of the race offered every runner a T-shirt and a breakfast buffet after the event was finished.

The race kicked off the Homecoming weekend’s events, as it preceded the parade and football game versus Army.

“It really is the start of Homecoming,” Bertemes said. “Granted, it’d be better if the weather was nicer, but you work with what you get. I’m going to do it the next two years.”

Contact Jimmy Miller at [email protected].