Storm the Bastille 5k Run/Walk

🏃‍♂️ Storm the Bastille 5k

Presented by Madison Medical Affiliates &: Produced by East Town Association

Join thousands of your fellow runners & walkers for the 2025 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, its close in distance. Walkers are welcome to complete the course at the halfway point in front of the Milwaukee Athletic Club, located 1.5 miles from the starting line. Make sure to stick around for the party that follows as we celebrate Bastille Days!

🎽 Registration Details

• Special edition T-Shirt: Must register by July 1 to guarantee a shirt
• Timed Bib: Provided by PRIMETIME TIMING
• Beverage: Post-race Michelob Ultra beer or bottled water

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 live music, an international marketplace, French and Cajun cuisine, and roaming busker entertainment.

❓ FAQs

Packet Pickup Info:

Tuesday July 15th - place TBD

Packet pickup on race day is 6:30-8:30pm under the white tent on the corner of Wells and Jefferson Streets by Taylor's Milwaukee. 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

Parking:

The Hop is open until 9 p.m. 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. There is discounted parking available in the following garages, courtesy of Power Parking:

• 770 Garage: 518 E Mason St.
• Cathedral Square Garage: 530 E Mason St.
• Gas Light Garage: 730 N Jackson St.

Use code "Paris" for 25% off!

Runners:

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 aggressive 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.

Walkers:

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.

Water Locations:

There will be water locations on Broadway just over halfway through the race in front of the Milwaukee Athletic Club and at the finish line on Wells street by the Kroger truck.

Start / Finish Line:

The start line will be on Jefferson street, heading south, and the race will finish at the same location. Afterwards, please proceed to the Kroger water truck on Wells St. You can then redeem your FREE Michelob Ultra beer or bottled water at any bar location.

Post-Race Beverage:

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 beer or a bottled water.

For more details, visit our race page: Storm the Bastille 5k.