5K Planning Resources

Bowling Green State University is a popular spot for 5K runs. The beautiful campus scenery, flat running areas and central location make this campus an ideal place to hold a race. Only in rare instances will custom courses be permitted. Below is a course description and map for all pre-approved 5K routes on the BGSU main campus.

The Outer Campus 5k Route, will start and finish near the Bowen-Tompson Student Union. This designed route will have participants running much of the race on the outskirts of campus. Runners should use the designated sidewalks when possible. This route will require BGSU police officers to be contracted, at the planning group’s expense, for assistance with safe crossings at intersections. 

5k Outer Campus Route

The MMAC 5k Route, will start near Kreischer Hall and finish near the Moore Music Arts Center (MMAC). This designed route will have participants running much of the race on the outskirts of campus. Runners should use the designated sidewalks when possible. This route will require BGSU police officers to be contracted, at the planning group’s expense, for assistance with safe crossings at intersections.

5k MMAC Route

The Founders to BTSU 5k, will start near Founders Hall and finish near the Bowen-Tompson Student Union (BTSU). This designed route will have participants running much of the race on the outskirts of campus. Runners should use the designated sidewalks when possible. This route will require BGSU police officers to be contracted, at the planning group’s expense, for assistance with safe crossings at intersections. 

Founders to BTSU 5k

The Mel Brodt 5k Course may only be requested when regularly maintained (May-October). Adverse weather conditions leading up to events utilizing this course may result in cancellation at the University’s discretion. Course preparation fees associated with this route are the responsibility of the planning group. This route does not require BGSU police officer presence.  

Mel Brodt Course 5k

Step 1: Contact the BGSU Police Department at 419-372-8002 or email: derrich@bgsu.edu.

  • Check availability of the desired race date and course 

Step 2: Register the event.  

  • Contact the BGSU Office of Conference and Event Services (419-372-9000)
    • Events sponsored by a BGSU Student Org must also contact the BGSU Office of Student Engagement (419-372-2343) 

Step 3: Groups wishing to create their own 5k race route must submit required applications to the Bowling Green Administrator’s office (not required for pre-approved routes). 

All races on BGSU campus must adhere to the following guidelines:
  • Easily identifiable volunteers/staff and signage must be provided by the planning group to assist runners through the route. 
  • The BGSU lightning safety plan must be followed. 
  • All participants must adhere to traffic/pedestrian rules for the roadway at all intersections not staffed by police. This should be conveyed to all runners in advance. 
  • Participants must be provided instructions on parking availability by the planning group and abide by BGSU Parking regulations.  
  • Race routes must be returned their original condition following the event. Failure to do so may result in additional costs to the planning group. 

Updated: 11/24/2025 10:03AM