The Race

The Sowebo Gateway 5K run/walk is on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 9 am. The loop course starts and ends in Middle Branch Park near the Baltimore Rowing Center and follows the park’s trails toward the new development at One Westport. Runners then turn back toward Middle Branch Park and follow the riverside trail under the Hanover Street Bridge toward the Maryland Vietnam Veterans Memorial, where they loop back toward the finish line.

A festive atmosphere permeates the event and includes a resource/vendor fair.

T-Shirts, Amenities, Awards: All participants receive a Sowebo Gateway 5K T-shirt, and all youth finishers 12 and under receive a medal. Top male and female finishers receive gift cards, and top finishers in 13 male and female categories receive medals. There will be a post-race celebration with music, refreshments, and prizes for randomly selected bib numbers.

Charity Beneficiaries: Southwest Sports and Fitness Alliance & South Baltimore Gateway Partnership.

Registration: The online registration fee is $30 for 5K run/walk participants through July 31, 2026, $35 from August 1, 2026, to August 31, 2026, and $40 afterward, online or on-site race day available from 7:30 to 8:45 AM.

Youth Registrations: All youth 12 years of age and younger run for FREE. All participants under 18 must still complete registration, which includes a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

NOTE: While Pre-Race online registration is available until 11:59 PM on 9/25/2625, you will not be eligible for Pre-race Packet-Pickup if you register after 11:59 on 9/24/2026.

Parking: Parking is available in the two Middle Branch Park lots and the larger lot next to the Maryland Vietnam Veterans Memorial Street, a 5-10 minute walk to the race site.

Restrictions: No dogs, skateboards, rollerblades/rollerskates, or scooters are allowed on the course.

Pre-race Packet Pick-up:
Thursday, September 24, 10 AM – 6 PM
Poppleton Recreation Center
1049 W. Saratoga Street
Baltimore, MD 21223

Race Route: