Rainbow Weekend Drag Race 5K

Hate is such a drag! Show your pride and support Kent State University's LGBTQ+ Emergency Fund by participating in Drag Race 5K, part of Main Street Kent's fourth annual Rainbow Weekend. Participants are invited to don their best drag look (this is totally optional) as they walk, stroll, run, or roll their way along the 5K route, beginning at 6:00 pm on Friday, October 11th (National Coming Out Day). New this year, the event will take participants through the trees of the Portage Hike & Bike Trail and will start and end at North Water Brewing Co. There will be special appearances by two of the most well-known and talented drag queens in Kent: The Girl Named Jack (Instagram: thegirlnamedjack) and Lady Inferno Diamond (Instagram: ladyinferno1). 

This event, which was previously known as the Kent State Rainbow Run, is a fundraiser for Kent State University’s LGBTQ+ Emergency Fund. The Emergency Fund assisted 85 students last year, providing $40,458 in emergency funding for books, academic supplies, household items, housing, and food.

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 10, tickets will cost $35 plus the fee. Your ticket includes participation in the 5K, a tie-dye Drag Race 5K 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 an invitation to attend our End of the Rainbow Party at North Water Brewing Company after the 5K, where $1 for every drink purchased will be donated to the KSU LGBTQ+ Emergency Fund. The first 150 participants to cross the finish line will also receive a Drag Race 5K medal! 

What is drag?

According to the Human Rights Campaign, the largest national LGBTQ+ Advocacy group, Drag is a performance art that uses costumes, makeup, and other tools to present exaggerated forms of gender expression to critique gender inequities and imagine a transformational future where people are truly free in how they express themselves (hrc.org). There is no right or wrong way to dress in drag. Common items used in drag include makeup, wigs, outfits, high heels or boots, body padding, nails, and lashes, just to name a few. Some women may choose to do drag as a man or as an exaggerated woman. Again, there’s no right or wrong way to dress in drag; do what makes you comfortable and happy - including if that means not dressing in drag at all. This is your time to use your creativity and show off your personality! 

We can't wait to see you there!