Oak Openings Stampede

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. 

The Oak Openings Stampede is one of three 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 Towpath Trail Half Marathon and 10K at Providence Metropark on July 21st and Falling Leaves 5K and 8-miler at Secor Metropark on October 27th. Registration for these events are also available on RunSignUp.

Guaranteed T-shirt deadline 9/8/2024. 

PACKET PICK-UP:
Early: the Saturday before race day, 12-3 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.

This is the second in the three-part Trail Series the Toledo Roadrunners Club and the Toledo Metroparks are partnering to present with sponsorship from Second Sole of Toledo to benefit our charity partner, Sew Hope. 

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, even the bees (I think?).  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. My guess is you won’t be able to miss them if you encounter one or two.
Bikes: Are supposed to yield to Walkers/Runners.  This is a big concern between mile 7 and 9 where the trail is shared between bikes and pedestrians.
Runners: Walkers yield to runners.  If you have to walk, step off to the side to allow runners to pass.  Watch out for poison ivy, yikes!
Headphones/Music: It is a good idea to be able to hear someone approaching from behind you, so consider a lower volume or going without them.
Litter: Don’t do it. Pack everything out with you or leave with an aid station volunteer. No exceptions. 

Below are some important things you should note about the event:
 
1. RACE DAY PICKUP/LATE REGISTRATION:
Race Day: At the Buehner Center, 7:30 am -8:45 am. No cash accepted. 
2. RACE START TIMES: Race Day is Sunday Sept 29th. All events start and finish at the Buehner Center alongside Mallard Lake. Both events will be chip timed.
25K - 9:00 a.m.
5K - 9:15 a.m.

3. 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.  If you’ve gone a few minutes without seeing a pink flag or yellow blaze you’re probably off course, turn around.  There is one section the Metroparks have re-routed onto the adjacent horse trail (yeah! sand!).  This is about mile 3.5-4 right before the 2nd aid station. Again, we will have everything well marked, but just be aware. Also, there is some concern runners are not yielding to horse, as mentioned above, everyone yields to horses, even runners. 

4. CUT-OFF TIMES AND DROPPING OUT: We don’t have an official cut-off time but most people should be able to finish by 12:30 p.m.  I’ll stick around until everyone is in.  If you need to drop out of a race, make sure you tell a responsible person (race director, aid station worker) before going home so we know you're not lost. If you drop out, stop at an aid station and a driver will pick you up and bring you back to the Buehner Center.

5. PARKING: 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.

6. 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 and sports drinks. There will be no gels - bring your own if needed. 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. You can refill those at the stations directly from the jugs. 

7. BEES: In past races some runners have been stung by bees that nest in downed trees and the ground. Apparently, bees don’t like 100’s of people pounding next to their house. If you are allergic to bee stings, it is your responsibility to carry an epi-pen or whatever medicine you need.  We are not permitted to have epi-pens available.

8. COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS: We ask you to use your best judgement.

9. POST-RACE FOOD: Will be inside the Buehner Center. The facility allows alcoholic beverages. So BYOB if you’re so inclined.

10. LODGING: There is a Day's Inn adjacent to the Toledo airport on Airport Highway. It’s within 5 miles of the Oak Openings park and about one mile from the I-80/I-90 Turnpike exit 52. You can also tent camp at the Oak Openings White Oak campground (about 1/2 mile from the race start) or stay in the Caretakers Cottage (next to the start). Go to the park's camping page to sign up (http://metroparkstoledo.com/outdoor-adventures/camping/).

11. AWARDS: Immediately at the finish awards for overall, female/male for the 5K and 25K.  Additionally, age group awards will be in 10 year increments and 3 places deep.