Storm the Bastille
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Join thousands of your fellow community members for the annual Storm the Bastille 5K Run/Walk!
Runners and walkers from across Milwaukee gather to commemorate the storming of the Bastille, the 18th-century French prison that sparked the French Revolution. Runners will run through downtown Milwaukee and the Third Ward on a 5k route. The route is not certified but close. Walkers can end their night halfway at the Milwaukee Athletic Club water station, which is 1.5 miles. Make sure to stick around for the party that follows this fun night run as we celebrate Bastille Days!
Photos by Melissa Miller – Photography
FAQs
Parking:
The Hop is open until 9pm, park anywhere along the route and ride it to Cathedral Square for FREE. If you are driving down, there is parking available for a discounted rate in the following lots: 770 N Jefferson Garage (518 E Mason,) Cathedral Square Garage (530 E Mason,) 822 N Van Buren Lot. Visit www.mypowerparking.com to secure your parking and use code “PARIS” to receive 25% off. Runners, please arrive prior to 8pm to avoid road closures.
Runners:
Fast runners, please make your way to the front. Average to slower runners please hang out in the back by Cathedral Square Park and let the aggressive runners go first. Your timing starts when you cross the Start line and ends when you cross the Finish line/ There’s plenty of time to complete the race so you don’t need to rush to the front.
Walkers:
Please hang out in the back by Cathedral Square Park and let the runners take off. Also if you plan only to walk half the race please make sure you end your race at Wells street and walk directly back to the park and avoid Jefferson Street and the finish.
Water Locations:
There will be water locations on Broadway just over halfway through the race in front of the Milwaukee Athletic Club and also at the finish on Wells street by the Kroger truck.
Start / Finish Line:
The start line will be on Jefferson street heading south and end in the same location. When you finish please proceed to the Kroger water truck on Wells street. You can then redeem the FREE water or beer at any bar location.
Post-Race Beverage
On your bib is the drink coupon. Rip off to redeem at any of our bars. You can choose from any beer or water.