Rainbow Weekend 5K

The Rainbow Weekend 5K is returning during Main Street Kent's fifth annual Rainbow Weekend, which takes place each October in Kent, Ohio, to celebrate our city's LGBTQ+ community. This year's theme, Visibility is Victory, honors the power of being seen in a time when LGBTQ+ lives are being threatened and erased. There is no single way to be visible—whether you're showing up at protests, in your workplace, with your loved ones, or simply to yourself—your presence matters. Every act of visibility is an act of resistance and of love. When we show up for ourselves and each other, we win. 

So, join your community of LGBTQ+ folks and allies on Saturday, October 18, at 11:00 am for a 5K walk and fun run. The route will take participants through the trees of the Portage Hike & Bike Trail and will start and end at North Water Brewing Company, where an End of the Rainbow Party will be taking place at the finish line (mimosas, anyone?!). 

Last year, this event raised $7,000 for Kent State University’s LGBTQ+ Emergency Fund, providing critical funding for books, academic supplies, household items, housing, and food. Sadly, Kent State had to close the LGBTQ+ Center and the emergency fund in June to stay in compliance with state law. It is important now more than ever that we continue to find ways to help LGBTQ+ students and members of our community. This year, we’re excited to announce that the 2025 beneficiary will be the newly established LGBTQ+ Fund offered through The Portage Foundation!

The Portage Foundation’s LGBTQ+ Fund was created to be a resource to support the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals and families in Portage County. LGBTQ+ individuals—particularly youth and college students—face disproportionate challenges related to mental health, housing insecurity, and access to support services. This fund helps close those gaps with compassion and community by fostering community, providing vital services, and creating opportunities for those who have been historically underserved. Our 5K committee is honored to host one of the first fundraising campaigns for this imperative fund. 

The cost of a ticket is $25 plus a registration fee from August 1-30. The price will increase to $30 plus the fee on September 1. From September 16-October 17, tickets will cost $35 plus the fee. Your ticket includes participation in the 5K, a fabulous T-shirt (please note that although we will order extra, we can no longer guarantee a t-shirt, especially of a certain size, after September 15), and a 5K medal for the first 150 participants that cross the finish line. After the race, join us for the End of the Rainbow Party at North Water Brewing Co., during which $1 for every drink purchased will be donated to the Portage Foundation’s LGBTQ+ Fund. 

We can't wait to see you there!