Iowa
Iowa Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in Iowa for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 51 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in Iowa below and join the trail community at these great events!
August 2026
Trail races of 50K, 10 Miler and 5 Miler at Scott County Park near Long Grove, IA with looped trails, staffed aid stations and online-only registration.
A backyard ultra in Bussey IA with repeated 4.167 mile laps each hour, a 12 hour cap, and results reported as distance covered or laps completed.
September 2026
A timed 4 hour and 8 hour trail endurance event on a 3.15 mile loop at Cedar Bend Park near Waverly, Iowa on September 5, 2026. Laps count only within the time limits and a main aid station serves the start and finish.
A multi distance backroads ultra on September 5, 2026 in Booneville, IA with hilly rural courses, marked ultra routes, and limited crew support.
An untimed adventure run in the Loess Hills at Glenwood Lake Park on September 5, 2026, featuring switchback trails, wooded sections, creek crossings and natural obstacles. Finishers receive a "Conqueror of the Loess" medallion.
The inaugural Todd Peverill Cross Country Festival brings middle school, high school, elite and kids races to Glenwood Lake Park on September 5, 2026, with limited team and elite entries and medals plus gift card awards for top finishers.
A multi-distance trail running event at Pleasant Creek Park on September 12, 2026, with participant packets, aid stations, and awards managed by a local trail nonprofit.
Wabash Trace Running Festival in Shenandoah, Iowa follows the crushed limestone Wabash Trace Nature Trail and offers marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and a free kids mile. Races include well stocked aid stations and community support.
Trail race at Pilot Knob State Park in Forest City, IA, offering 5K and 10K distances with overall and age-group awards. Registration takes place at the park Stone Shelter and refreshments follow the race.
Experience the Iowa Trail Run Series at Jester Park featuring 5K, 10K, and 10 hour enduro options. Run along the shores of Saylorville Lake past buffalo enclosures on a mix of grass and dirt trails.
Backyard Ultra in West Point, IA featuring repeated 4.167 mile loops around Pollmiller Lake Park, on-site camping options, basic aid stations, and a community race format.
A 5K obstacle trail run and a 1 Mile kids obstacle course at Arrowhead Park near Neola, Iowa on September 19, 2026. The event features multiple obstacles, optional Open Wave participation, and top-10 medals for Competitive Wave finishers.
Trail run at Wapsi River Environmental Education Center with a self timed 5K and 1 mile course, proceeds benefit the Friends of the Wapsi Center.
Trail races of 3K and 6K at Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve on September 19, 2026, with grass and woodland terrain, post race refreshments, awards, and proceeds for local conservation.
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 5k fun run at Reclaimed Rails Brewing Company in Bondurant with running, walking, or jogging and a post-run celebration, presented by the Iowa Brewery Running Series.
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.
A backyard ultra at Lake Ahquabi with hourly 4.167 mile laps repeated until one runner completes one more lap than the rest, held in Indianola IA.
Trail race at George Wyth State Park near Waterloo, IA offering 13K and 25K runnable single track, limited aid stations, race photos, awards and finish line food.
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.