Trail Running Calendar Iowa 2025-2026

Take on scenic, technical single track in Mines of Spain park near Dubuque, IA with a 25K or 50K double lap option. Stone steps, stream crossings and steep climbs make this a rugged and rewarding fall trail challenge.

Test your endurance at Woodpecker Six, a six hour trail run through Pinicon Ridge Park near Central City, Iowa on November 8, 2025. Tackle a 1.2 mile loop with big climbs, enjoy aid stations and a heated lodge for midrace comfort.

Join the Born to Run 5K at Confluence Brewing Co for a scenic looped trail and a fun 1 mile for kids. Professionally timed and family friendly, the event raises funds for Mary's Helping Hands to support families with young children.

Explore the Loess Hills at Waubonsie State Park with options from a lively 5K or 10K to a unique ten hour Enduro on a three mile loop. Free kids races and $3 from each registration benefit Friends of Waubonsie.

Run the Stuffed Turkey Endurance Races at Jester Park on Nov 22, with trail loops from 10 mile to 100 miler. Several UTMB index distances, stocked aid stations, and finishers get a shirt and medal.

Celebrate Thanksgiving at Turkey Trails Des Moines at Gray's Lake Park on November 23 with family friendly distances from a Kids Dash to timed 5k and 10k. Enjoy designer shirts, finisher medals and live chip timing or run virtually.

Join the Get Roasted Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning in Waverly for a fun 5k on scenic park trails and a kids dash for ages 10 and under. Enjoy a designer shirt, finisher cap and hot cocoa while helping local family services.

Wrap up the season at Jester Park with the Iowa Trail Run Series Leftover Edition, offering casual 5K or 10K trail loops and a free kids run. Entry includes a bib and choice of leftover swag plus post race rolls and butter.

The Hitchcock Experience invites runners to tackle rugged trails at Hitchcock Nature Center across December 6 and 7, 2025. With distances from a half marathon to 100 miles, this two day event promises scenic challenge and true endurance for..

Celebrate New Years Eve at The Critter in Waverly, a rugged 10K forest loop plus 12 hour, 8 hour and 4 hour timed challenges. Camp onsite and refuel in a cozy historic dining hall while you hike, run or ruck to finish 2025 strong.

Take on the Triple D Winter Race in Dubuque County on January 17, 2026 with bike and run distances for every level. Organized by local volunteers, the day ends with warm food and drinks at 7Hills Brewery Event Center and prizes for top fini..

Run the Center Trails in Des Moines on April 4, 2026 with 8 Mile and 4 Mile options in the Iowa Trail Run Series. Enjoy marked courses, basic timing, a rotating race item, plus post race food and sponsor giveaways.

Join the 15th annual Team Red Shamrock Trail Challenge in Coralville for scenic 10 mile and 5K trail routes supporting pediatric cancer survivors and research. Enjoy singletrack, aid stations, swag, and awards while racing for a great cause..

Join Madison County Youth Council for a lively 4K fun run at the Madison County Fairgrounds in Winterset this April. Registration opens Jan 26 and early sign ups by March 22 get a guaranteed event tee.

Run scenic trails in Yellow River State Forest on May 8 and 9, 2026 with 5K, 10K and half marathon options. Family friendly Friday 5K allows leashed dogs and Dirty Double entrants get a hand crafted race mug.

Run at McFarland Park near Ames in the Iowa Trail Run Series as the sun sets, with scenic 5K and 10K trails across single track, prairie and gravel. Enjoy race swag, post race food and community fun while supporting park conservation.

Take on scenic singletrack at Pleasant Creek Trail Run in Palo, Iowa on Sept 13, 2025. Choose 45K, 30K or 15K and enjoy aid stations, post race awards and community support from the Eastern Iowa Trail Alliance.

Test your endurance at Broken Anvil Backyard Ultra in West Point, Iowa, circling a scenic 4.167 mile loop around Pollmiller Lake each hour until one runner remains. Mostly paved with some gravel and trail, the event offers camping, shared a..

Test your legs on rugged, scenic loops at the Swiss Valley Trail Races with 50K, 25K and a 5.2 mile course. Enjoy creek crossings, big climbs, free camping and showers while supporting local conservation; registration opens Jan 1, 2026.

The Mines of Spain 100 offers 100 mile and 100 kilometer trail ultraruns on scenic loops around Dubuque's Mines of Spain. Expect rugged singletrack, steep climbs and Mississippi River views on a challenging multi loop course.