Sowebo Gateway 5K (formerly Sowebo Landmark 5K)

SoWeBo Gateway 5K Honoring Legacy. Expanding Opportunity. Running Toward the Future. In Southwest Baltimore, tradition is not just remembered—it’s lived, celebrated, and carried forward one step at a time. Since its founding in 2011, the SoWeBo Landmark 5K has grown from a grassroots neighborhood initiative into one of Southwest Baltimore’s most enduring community events. What began as a simple idea—to bring neighbors together through movement—has evolved into a powerful symbol of unity, wellness, and neighborhood pride . Each year, the race transforms the streets of SoWeBo into more than a course—it becomes a journey. Beginning in Union Square Park, participants move through historic landmarks such as Hollins Market, the B&O Railroad Museum, Carroll Park, and the H.L. Mencken House—experiencing firsthand the culture, architecture, and stories that define the community . But what has sustained this race for nearly 15 years is not just its route—it’s its people. The SoWeBo Landmark 5K has consistently brought together families, youth, longtime residents, and new neighbors alike. It has welcomed runners, walkers, and parents with strollers, creating an inclusive environment where participation matters just as much as performance. In 2024, more than 220 participants took part, with youth representing over one-third of all runners—demonstrating the race’s growing impact on the next generation . That momentum continued in 2025, with 236 registered runners , reinforcing the race’s consistency and upward trajectory as a trusted neighborhood tradition. Behind the scenes, more than 100 volunteers annually contribute their time and energy—powering every mile marker, water station, and finish line moment. This level of community ownership has built something rare: a race that belongs to the neighborhood . And as the event has grown, so has its purpose. Proceeds from the race directly support youth sports, wellness programming, and community-based initiatives led by the Sou