Oak Openings Stampede

Trail Running in Oak Openings Metropark

The Oak Openings Stampede is a trail running event held at Oak Openings Metropark in Whitehouse, Ohio. The event features two distances that navigate through a variety of natural landscapes, including hardwood and pine forests, open prairies, and areas alongside streams. Both races begin and end at the Buehner Center situated next to Mallard Lake. This event serves as the RRCA Ohio State 25K Championship.

Participants can choose from the following distances:

• 25 km trail race
• 5 km trail race or walk

The 25 km course consists of a single loop that primarily follows the Boy Scout trail in a counterclockwise direction. For the 5 km event, participants follow a loop that utilizes the blue trail and a portion of the red trail. The courses are marked with surveyor flags to assist with navigation. Aid stations are positioned along the routes, providing water and sports drinks, with additional supplies available for the longer distance.

The event is part of the Toledo Roadrunners Club Trail Series and is conducted in partnership with Metroparks of Toledo. It emphasizes sustainable practices by providing reusable collapsible cups to reduce waste at aid stations. Proceeds from the event support SewHope, a non-profit organization providing health and education assistance in northern Guatemala.

Logistics for the event include chip timing for both distances and post-race food located inside the Buehner Center. Awards are presented to overall male and female finishers, as well as top finishers in ten-year age group increments. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.