Iowa
Iowa Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in Iowa for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 58 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.
A trail 5K at Camp Ewalu on the new Ewa-Loop, followed by a 1/4 mile Color Run through Pioneer Village with white shirts for early registrants.
September 2026
Timed trail endurance event at Cedar Bend Park near Waverly, Iowa, with 4 and 8 hour race options on a roughly 3.15 mile loop.
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.
Trail running event in Palo, IA on September 12, 2026 offering 45K, 30K and 15K on a clockwise course.
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 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.
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 on Sept 26, 2026 offering 13K and 25K courses on mostly smooth single track with limited on-course aid.