Iowa
Iowa Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in Iowa for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 49 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in Iowa below and join the trail community at these great events!
September 2026
Experience the unique terrain of the driftless region at Yellow River State Forest. Choose from 5K 10K or half marathon distances and enjoy post race food games and sponsor giveaways.
A community 5k at Reclaimed Rails Brewing Company in Bondurant Iowa on September 20 2026 where participants can run walk or jog the course and finish with a celebration at the brewery.
An off road 5 Miles obstacle course in Saint Charles, Iowa on September 26, 2026, hosted by Contributors Breakfast Club; the local fundraiser keeps proceeds in Iowa and lets participants help design several obstacles.
Test your endurance at Lake Ahquabi in a classic backyard ultra where runners must complete a 4.167 mile loop every hour until only one remains.
Trail race at George Wyth State Park in Waterloo, IA offering 13K single loop and 25K two loop courses on mostly smooth dirt single track with limited aid.
An obstacle mud run at Camp Sacajawea on September 26 with one mile and three mile courses, waiver required, proceeds benefit Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa.
A non timed 1 mile and 3 mile walk and run around Hickory Grove Lake at Snow Bunting Lodge. The event raises funds for Chase Away K9 Cancer in memory of a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog named Remy and welcomes pets.
October 2026
Multi day event in Harpers Ferry, Iowa combining trail running, fly fishing and craft beer while directing funds to local fish habitat restoration.
Experience the rugged terrain of the Swiss Valley Nature Preserve with loop based trail races through creek crossings and steep inclines in Peosta Iowa.
Professionally timed 5K plus a kids dash at The Iowa Arboretum with mixed terrain, food vendors, family options, and age based prizes.
Orienteering race at Waubonsie Park on October 3, 2026: a 5-mile map-based run or hike with solo and 2-3 person divisions; $40 fee includes shirt and medal.
A 5 mile trail run, hike, or ruck through the Loess Hills at Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center in Sioux City, with a kids 1k for ages 12 and under.
A 5 mile or 5K trail run at Lime Creek Nature Center with chip timing, prairie and wooded trails, awards, and a $20 sponsor gift card for every entry.
A 5K walk/run on October 4, 2026 at Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek raising funds for the conservation and preservation of the park.
A chip timed 5K in Keystone, Iowa on 10/10/2026 where participants wear flag belts and encounter costumed zombies who try to pull flags. Proceeds support Keystone First Responders and Benton Girl's Wrestling.
Trail run and walk at Backbone State Park on October 10, 2026 with two route choices: a 4 mile loop and a 10K lake loop. Day of registration is available and proceeds support Backbone State Park.
A community 5K run and walk at the Iowa Arboretum that welcomes dogs, includes packet pickup and T-shirts for preregistered entrants, and offers post-event refreshments for people and pets.
Community run in Vinton on October 10 2026 with a 5K and a 1 mile option, hosted by the Vinton Noon Kiwanis Club to benefit Operation Backpack.
A themed 5K at Grimes Farm where runners try to keep flag belts while volunteers play zombies; proceeds support the farm trails.
A community 5K at Dan-D Farms near Knoxville, Iowa on October 10, 2026, with tiered registration fees, a youth discount, and a shirt guarantee for early registrants.