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. 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.

Award: The 25K has been awarded the RRCA Ohio State 25K Championship.

Series Event: The Oak Openings Stampede is one of four events in the Toledo Roadrunners Club Trail Series presented in partnership with Metroparks of Toledo and sponsored by Second Sole.

Other Events: Other races in the series are Marsh Madness 10K at Howard Marsh Metropark on June 20th, Towpath Trail Half Marathon and 10K at Providence Metropark on July 19th and Falling Leaves 5K and 8-miler at Secor Metropark on October 25th. Registration for these events are also available on RunSignUp.

Discounts and Giveaways

If you are a current Toledo Roadrunners member, you will receive a $5.00 discount on the entry price of any of the Trail Series races. If you sign up for all four races at once, you will receive a $2.00 discount on each entry regardless of TRRC membership. You will also be awarded a nice Trail Race Series giveaway at the end of the series.

Sustainability Initiatives

Our race will work to eliminate disposable cup waste from our aid stations by using Hydrapak reusable cups. Runners will receive a Hydrapak cup at packet pickup. We will still offer disposable cups at our aid stations, but we hope that runners will use their Hydrapak cups, carry a handheld water bottle, or wear a hydration vest. If you wish to purchase more Hydrapak products, go to www.HydraPak.com.

Sustainable Partner: The free collapsible cups are provided by HydraPak, our Sustainable Racing Partner. As part of your entry to this event, HydraPak is also offering a 20% discount on all of their products at HydraPak.com. The 20% discount code will be made available to registered runners by email prior to the event.

Charity Support

Proceeds from the events support SewHope, a Toledo-based not-for-profit organization that provides health, education, and community development support to the poor in northern Guatemala. You can also donate directly to SewHope and/or the Toledo Metroparks when you register.

Important Dates and Information

Guaranteed T-shirt Deadline: 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.

Trail Etiquette

• Horses: EVERYONE yields to horses. While there are only a few short sections where the yellow trail and the horse trail overlap it is still important to be aware of them.
• Bikes: Are supposed to yield to Walkers/Runners, especially between mile 7 and 9.
• Runners: Walkers yield to runners. If you have to walk, step off to the side to allow runners to pass.
• Litter: Don’t do it. Pack everything out with you or leave with an aid station volunteer. No exceptions.

Race Day Details

• Race Day Pickup/Late Registration: Early: Saturday September 12th from 3 - 5:00 p.m. at Second Sole Running Store. Race Day: At the Buehner Center, 7:30 am -8:45 am. No cash accepted.
• Start Times: 25K - 9:00 a.m., 5K - 9:15 a.m.
• Course Markings: 5k - white surveyor flags. 25k pink surveyor flags. The 25k is also on the yellow trail so you’ll see yellow blazes on the trees.
• Cut-Off Times and Dropping Out: There is no official cut-off time but most people should be able to finish by 12:30 p.m. If you need to drop out, inform a responsible person.

Parking and Aid Stations

• Parking: Limited parking at the Buehner Center. Please car-pool if possible. If the lot is full, there is additional parking at the Oak Openings lodge about 1/4 mile east.
• Aid Stations: For the 25K, aid stations will be located on the scout trail loop. For the 5K, there will be one aid station at about 1.5 miles with water only.
• Post-Race Food: Will be inside the Buehner Center. The facility allows alcoholic beverages. So BYOB if you’re so inclined.
• Lodging: There is a Day's Inn adjacent to the Toledo airport and tent camping available at the Oak Openings White Oak campground.

Awards

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

Event Date

The Oak Openings Stampede will take place on September 13, 2026, at Oak Openings Metropark, Whitehouse, OH. For more information, please visit the race's official page at here.