Old West End Stampede 2026

🏇 The Old West End Stampede: New Route. New Start. Even More Energy! The most electric 5K in Toledo is back—and it’s bigger than ever! Experience the thrill of the Old West End Festival from a perspective few ever see: at a full sprint. The Stampede takes place on the historic, tree-lined streets of the OWE just minutes before the legendary King Wamba Carnival Parade kicks off. ✨ NEW FOR 2026: The Black Kite Hub: Our brand-new Start/Finish line is right next to our sponsor, Black Kite Coffee!Spectator Perks: Black Kite is opening early just for Stampede fans. Your cheering section can grab a latte and a front-row seat to watch you crush the course.Easy Arrival: Forget the festival parking hunt. We have Free & Easy Parking reserved for participants at the Toledo Diocese Parking Lot (Corner of Delaware and Collingwood)!Fresh Course: Enjoy an updated route designed for speed, shade, and maximum neighborhood views. 📣 Why You Can't Miss This Race: The Crowd: Run past hundreds of spectators already lining the sidewalks. It’s like having a stadium-sized cheering section for all 3.1 miles!The Pageantry: Join the "flair" tradition. Costumes, glitter, and outrageous swag are highly encouraged. Channel your inner King Wamba with gear like a Sparkle Running Skirt or a Tulle Running Tutu.The After-Party: You finish right as the festival peaks. Stay for the food, the beer garden, and the best parade in the Midwest. 🏆 Elite Prizes for Top Finishers We’ve partnered with the best local sponsors to bring you a prize pool worth over $1,500 Top Overall Male & Female: Toledo Symphony Season Passes/Vouchers (Valued at $500+!)Top 3 in Age Groups: Featuring Toledo Spirits bottles, Black Kite Coffee gift cards, and Dave’s Running Shop gear.Categories: Men, Women, Masters (40+), and Under 18 (Boys/Girls). ⏱️ Race Day ScheduleThis is a professionally timed race featuring bibs and ankle chips (returned at the finish line). 7:30 AM: Registration & Packet Pickup Opens at Black Kite8:40 AM: Registration Closes / Pre-Race Instructions8:45 AM: Race Start!9:45 AM: Course Closed & Awards Ceremony10:00 AM: Kick back and enjoy the King Wamba Parade! 📍 Location & ParkingStart/Finish: Right outside Black Kite Coffee (2499 Collingwood Blvd).Parking: Toledo Diocese Parking Lot (Delaware Ave & Collingwood Blvd). Follow the "Race Parking" signs for a stress-free start!