In 27 days · Thu, Jul 9, 2026
Thursday, July 9th, 2026
825 N Jefferson Street, Milwaukee WI
5K
About this race
(sponsorship available: info@easttown.com)
Join thousands of your fellow runners & walkers for the 2026 Storm the Bastille 5K Run/Walk!
Race attendees from Milwaukee gather to commemorate the storming of the Bastille, the 18th-century French prison that sparked the French Revolution. This year's 5k route will take participants through downtown Milwaukee's East Town and the Third Ward neighborhoods. While the route is not officially certified, it's close in distance. Walkers are welcome to complete the course at the halfway point (TBD). Make sure to stick around for the party that follows as we celebrate Bastille Days!
Storm the Bastille kicks off Bastille Days, Milwaukee’s popular French festival and one of the nation’s largest French-themed celebrations. This free, four-day bash attracts over 250,000 visitors to downtown Milwaukee’s Cathedral Square Park annually who enjoy a variety of live music, an international marketplace, French and Cajun cuisine, and roaming busker entertainment.
Tuesday July 7 location TBD
Packet pickup on race day is 6:30-8:30pm under the white tent in the NE corner of Cathedral Square Park. Please arrive early as we need to shut the tent down at 8:30 p.m. to prepare for the race, and have the QR code that is attached to your registration confirmation email ready.
**PICKUP will close at 8:30 p.m. so arrive early to avoid lines
The Hop is open until midnight. Park anywhere along the route and ride it to Cathedral Square for FREE.
If you're driving, please arrive prior to 8 p.m. to avoid road closures.
Fast runners, please move toward the front of the start line. Average and slower-paced runners, we ask that you stay toward the back near Cathedral Square Park to allow the competitive runners to start first. Remember, your official time begins when you cross the start line and ends when you cross the finish line, so there’s no need to rush.
Please stay toward the back near Cathedral Square Park and allow the runners to take off first. If you plan to walk only half the race, please end your walk at Wells Street and return directly to the park. Be sure to avoid Jefferson Street and the official finish line area.
There will be multiple water locations, specifics TBD.
The start line will be on Jefferson street, heading south, and the race will finish at the same location. Afterwards, please proceed to the water truck on Wells St. You can then redeem your FREE Michelob Ultra or bottled water at any bar location.
Your drink coupon is attached to your race bib. Tear it off to redeem at any of our bar locations. You can choose either a Michelob Ultra or a bottled water.
Race-day essentials
Light, simple picks for a fast effort.


SHOKZ OpenRun Bone Conduction Open-Ear Bluetooth Sport Headphones, Running Workout Bundle with Waterproof Carrying Case & Sweat Headband, IP67 Sweat Resistant, 8H Playtime, Mic, Black
$129.95

Garmin Forerunner 55, GPS Running Watch with Daily Suggested Workouts, Up to 2 Weeks of Battery Life, Black - 010-02562-00
$159.99

goodr Going to Valhalla...Witness! Polarized Sunglasses for Men & Women, Medium Sized (OG), Dark Gray Translucent Frames with Chrome Mirrored Reflective Lenses, UV400 Protection, No Slip
$30.00

Nathan Peak Running Hydration Waist Pack Belt w/Speed Draw Flask Water Bottle, 18oz/535 ml Push/Pull Race Cap, Expandable Zippered Stretch Pocket
$44.00

GADIEMKENSD Quick Drying Running Hat Summer Cooling Baseball Cap UPF50+ Sports Sun Caps Breathable Mesh Lightweigh Dad Hats Unstructured for Golf Workout Hiking Gym Travel Camp Pink S/M 6 7/8-7 1/4
$13.99
Train with a club
Run clubs near Milwaukee to train with before race day.
Organize this race?
Claim it free to manage the listing. Want more signups? Feature it to put it in front of more runners.