Iowa
Iowa Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in Iowa for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 35 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in Iowa below and join the trail community at these great events!
November 2026
Backyard ultra in Delmar, IA on November 13, 2026 with a 4.16 mile loop repeated hourly until one runner remains, plus a 4 mile community run with post-run food.
Six hour trail run in Central City Iowa on a 1.2 mile wooded loop with steep climbs, aid station food, a race shirt, and awards for long distances.
A charity 5K and 1 mile fun run in Des Moines on November 14, 2026, held at Confluence Brewing Company. The looped trail event features chip timing and supports Marys Helping Hands, which provides basics for new families.
Looped trail races at Jester Park, Granger Iowa offering 10 Mile, 50K, 50 Mile and 100 Mile options on predominantly trail terrain with aid stations and pacing rules.
A 7th annual 3.1 mile cross country Turkey Trot around Lake Panorama, starting from Panorama Elementary School in Panora, Iowa.
Get Roasted Turkey Trot 5K and kids dash in Waverly, Iowa on November 26, 2026. Timed 5K, event swag and awards, with proceeds to The Exchange Club of Waverly.
A memorial cross country trail run and walk in Iowa City on November 26, 2026, hosted at Regina Catholic Education Center with a 4 mile race option.
December 2026
Sycamore 8 is a December trail race in Johnston, Iowa, that follows the Sycamore Trail along the Des Moines River. The route offers rolling single track, river views, variable winter conditions, and a field capped at 300 participants.
A multi-distance trail event at Hitchcock Nature Center offering 100 mile, 101K, 50 mile and half marathon loops with three staffed aid stations per full loop. Proceeds support Hitchcock Nature Center and the local trail system.
A multi-discipline event at Sylvan Island, Moline on December 12, 2026 featuring a 4.5 mile run, a 13.5 mile fat bike race, and a combined duo; proceeds support youth cycling.
A winter event in Central Park, Center Junction on December 19, 2026 with a Candy Cane 800 m, a Polar Run 5K and a Reindeer Plunge into the lake.
January 2027
A winter endurance event across Dubuque County featuring bike and running races on the Heritage Trail and mixed winter surfaces, organized by volunteer TMBR.
February 2027
A winter trail race at Thomas Mitchell Park east of Altoona, IA, offering 5k, 10k and 15k loops plus virtual options on a marked, chip timed course.
March 2027
Experience the rocky trails and scenic valley views of Iowa’s Driftless Area with a 5 km technical trail run or a 10 km gravel path race at the Motor Mill Historic Site.
A 24 hour timed trail event at Scott County Park on a 3.65 mile loop with a central aid station, pacer rules, and awards for 50k and 100 mile finishers.
April 2027
A community 4K fun run at the Madison County Fairgrounds in Winterset, Iowa, organized by Madison County Youth Council, $20 entry and a shirt guarantee for registrations before March 21.
May 2027
A 24 hour track event in Davenport, IA limited to 60 runners, with volunteer lap counters, awards for overall and 100 km performances, and proceeds to children's running programs.
Trail races at Yellow River State Forest on May 7–8, 2027 include 5K, 10K and half marathon options with timed results and age-group awards.
Fourth-year 24 hour challenge at George Wyth State Park where participants run ten 5k loops on the paved Cedar Valley Lakes Trail with meals and event support.
Obstacle course races on May 15 and 16, 2027 at Seven Oaks Recreation in Boone IA with 5K and 6 mile options, finisher items, awards, and Sunday family deals.