East Town Association
Press Release

Storm the Bastille, Milwaukee’s Only Downtown, Nighttime 5K Run/Walk Returns for 2023

As many as 5,000 participants will help celebrate 40 years of Milwaukee’s French Festival

By - May 24th, 2023 09:00 am

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (May 24, 2023) – Storm the Bastille, Milwaukee’s only downtown, nighttime 5K run/walk will celebrate the first night of Bastille Days on Thursday, July 13, at 9:00 p.m. Presented by Madison Medical Affiliates with additional support from Gruber Law Offices, commemorate 40 years of Bastille Days with a lively run, walk or jog, followed by a complimentary post-race water or beer. Early bird registration is only $30 until May 31.

“Madison Medical is excited to host this year’s Bastille runners, walkers and spectators as they ‘storm’ through downtown Milwaukee,” said Kevin Behl, executive director of Madison Medical Affiliates. “We are proud to support this iconic event and cultural festival which is so important to our community.”

Participants can expect the same great 5K route through the scenic Downtown Milwaukee and Third Ward neighborhoods. Race registration includes a Storm the Bastille t-shirt and bib, as well as a complementary post-race water or beer. The race will be timed by PRIMETIME TIMING. The race commemorates the 18th century storming of the Bastille, which helped spark the French Revolution—some runners embrace this theme by wearing creative, French-inspired outfits. The party doesn’t stop there—help celebrate the 40th anniversary of Bastille Days with a lively downtown afterparty.

Storm the Bastille will open the 2023 Bastille Days festival held in Cathedral Square Park from July 13 – July 16.  One of the nation’s largest French-themed celebrations, the free four-day bash attracts more than 250,000 visitors annually who enjoy live music, international cuisine and marketplaces, chef and wine demos, and roaming busker entertainment.

About East Town Association

East Town Association is fully funded by sponsors, donors and beverage sales. To support Storm the Bastille and related events, consider purchasing a beverage from one of the various on-site bars! If interested in donating or becoming a sponsor, please email info@easttown.com. Storm the Bastille is presented by ​Madison Medical Affiliates and Gruber Law Offices​. Additional 2023 sponsors ​and community partners ​include: Bud Light, Educators Credit Union, Harley-Davidson, Saz’s Hospitality Group, Gruber Law Offices, Badger Liquor, Door Peninsula Winery, Pepsi, Milwaukee County Parks, Alliance Francaise de Milwaukee, SWARMM Events, STIR Advertising & Integrated Messaging, MSOE and WMSE.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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