Step up and join the Southwest Sports and Fitness Alliance (SSFA) and South Baltimore Gateway Partnership (SBGP) in celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Sowebo Landmark 5K and the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership’s 10th anniversary as a leader in transformative investment in South Baltimore and the Middle Branch corridor.

This is not simply a new race. It is a collaboration and a merger of purpose, place, and possibility. The introduction of a new course—expanding into South Baltimore and the Middle Branch—invites participants to experience the city in a new way. Runners will move through areas shaped by intentional, equitable redevelopment and investment, showcasing the evolving landscape of Baltimore while remaining rooted in the cultural richness, and aim to unite neighbors, families, and local resources to create active, healthy communities and highlight historic landmarks and evolving vistas.

This evolution represents a strategic and symbolic alignment of legacy and forward progress. The race began as a simple idea—to bring neighbors together through movement and evolved into a powerful symbol of unity, wellness, and neighborhood pride. In Baltimore, tradition is not just remembered—it’s lived, celebrated, and carried forward one step at a time.

Elite runners, recreational types, joggers, walkers, and people doing some of each are all welcome, as are parents pushing strollers with little ones. Yes, there is a stroller category. Are you ready to step up?

RACE DAY: Saturday September 26, 2026 at 9:00am. 

More information is available here.

Sign up for the race here. 

Road Closure Information:

Approximately 6:00am – 1:00pm on race day. Waterview Avenue West Bound from roughly Hanover/Potee Street to roughly Kloman Street and the road adjacent to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and termination at the Broening Park Boat Ramp (the boat ramp and fishing pier will be accessible using the Cherry Hill Road entrance.

Free Shuttle Service Information:

The morning outbound shuttle service will begin at 7:00 AM, with pickups generally scheduled 15–20 minutes apart as the shuttle moves through the designated neighborhood locations toward Middle Branch Park. The final morning pickup will be at Carroll Park at 8:20 AM, returning directly to Middle Branch Park ahead of the 9:00 AM race start.

Shuttle service will pause during the race, approximately 9:00–11:15 AM.

Beginning at approximately 11:15 AM, post-race shuttle service will transport participants from Middle Branch Park directly to the Pigtown Festival area, with the Dollar General/Washington Boulevard location serving as the sole festival pickup and drop-off point for all subsequent shuttle loops. There will be no additional neighborhood stops during the post-race service. The final shuttle will depart the Pigtown Festival area at 3:00 PM, returning to Middle Branch Park by approximately 3:30 PM.

Race Participant Benefits at the Pigtown Festival

Adult race participants will receive a complimentary beverage ticket at race packet pickup, courtesy of Pigtown Main Street. The ticket may be redeemed at the Pigtown Festival drink tent for one beer, wine, or Pigtown Crush.

Youth race participants can present their SoWeBo Gateway 5K race bib or finisher medal at The Stoop Coffee Shop & Cafe, 784 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21230, to receive a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage.

Both the adult and youth beverage benefits are exclusive Pigtown Festival race-day offers and will only be honored on Saturday, September 26, 2026, during the Pigtown Festival from 12:00 PM–7:00 PM.