Oak Openings Stampede

🏞️ Race Overview

Come on out and race on the wooded trails at the Oak Openings Metropark. Two race distances to choose from, 25K and 5K (walkers are welcome in this one). All races utilize the beautiful trails at Oak Openings Metropark that pass through hardwood and pine forests, open prairie, and along stream sides. All races start and finish at the Buehner Center next to Mallard Lake in the center of the park.

📅 Event Information

• Date: September 13, 2026
• Location: Oak Openings Metropark, Whitehouse, OH
• Race URL: Oak Openings Stampede
• Distances: 25K and 5K

🏃‍♂️ Trail Series Participation

The Oak Openings Stampede is one of four events in the Toledo Roadrunners Club Trail Series presented in partnership with Metroparks of Toledo, Second Sole, and SewHope. Other races in the series are Marsh Madness 10K at Howard Marsh Metropark on June 21st, Towpath Trail Half Marathon and 10K at Providence Metropark on July 20th and Falling Leaves 5K and 8-miler at Secor Metropark on October 26th. Registration for these events are also available on RunSignUp.

👕 T-Shirt Deadline

Guaranteed T-shirt deadline is 8/30/2026.

📦 Packet Pick-Up

• Early: Saturday September 12th from 3 - 5:00 p.m. at Second Sole Running Store in Levis Commons Shopping Center (3201 Levis Commons Rd, Perrysburg, OH)
• Race Day: At the Buehner Center, 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m.

📝 Race Etiquette

Watch out for those exposed roots! Speaking of trail conditions, now would be a good time to remind everyone of some basic trail etiquette:

• Horses: EVERYONE yields to horses.
• Bikes: Are supposed to yield to Walkers/Runners.
• Runners: Walkers yield to runners.
• Headphones/Music: Consider a lower volume or going without them.
• Litter: Don’t do it. Pack everything out with you.

📋 Important Race Day Information

• Race Day Pickup/Late Registration: 7:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. No cash accepted.
• Race Start Times: 25K - 9:00 a.m., 5K - 9:15 a.m.
• Course Markings: 5K - white flags, 25K - pink flags and yellow blazes.
• Cut-off Times: Most should finish by 12:30 p.m.

🚗 Parking Information

There will be limited parking at the Buehner Center. Please car-pool if possible. If the Buehner Center lot is full, there is additional parking at the Oak Openings lodge about 1/4 mile east on the Oak Openings Parkway. Do not park on the side of the roadways: you may get a ticket.

💧 Aid Stations

For the 25K, aid stations will be located on the scout trail loop at approximately 2.0, 4.9, 8.2, 10.7, 13.5. The aid stations will have water, sports drinks, and Honey Stinger Gels. For the 5K, there will be one aid station at about 1.5 miles and stocked with water only. To conserve cups, consider carrying a hand-held bottle or hydration pack.

🍕 Post-Race Food and Lodging

• Post-Race Food: Inside the Buehner Center, BYOB if you’re so inclined.
• Lodging: Day's Inn adjacent to Toledo airport, camping at Oak Openings White Oak campground.
• Camping Information: Sign up at metroparkstoledo camping page.

🏆 Awards

Immediately inside the Buehner Center awards for overall, female/male for the 5K and 25K. Additionally, age group awards will be in 10 year increments and 3 places deep.