Iowa
Iowa Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in Iowa for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 36 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in Iowa below and join the trail community at these great events!
October 2026
Trail races at Brown's Woods in West Des Moines offering 5K, 10K and 15K on single and double track dirt, with proceeds supporting local trail organizations.
Timed 6 hour, 12 hour and 24 hour endurance runs at Gray's Lake Park with age and gender equalizers to determine overall awards.
November 2026
The Iowa Trail Run Series: Whiterock takes place November 7, 2026 at Whiterock Conservatory in Coon Rapids, Iowa. Offered distances include 5K, 10K, a half marathon and a new 30K option, with registration opening November 11, 2025.
A fall running event at Colony Acres in North Liberty featuring a 5K, a Maize Mile, and a combined 4 mile option with proceeds benefiting Let Me Run.
Trail endurance runs in the Mines of Spain near Dubuque, IA offering 25K and 50K courses with significant elevation gain and three staffed aid stations.
An off-road race at Living History Farms in Urbandale featuring streams, fields, woodland trails, historic farm sites, and a cowbell medal for finishers.
4 mile trail run at Goeldner Woods on November 7, 2026, with individual and four person team options, rugged terrain and a postrace pull up time bonus.
A Backyard Ultra in Delmar IA on November 13, 2026 where runners repeat a 4.16 mile loop each hour until one participant remains; includes a 4 mile community run.
A six hour trail endurance run at Pinicon Ridge Park near Central City, IA, on a 1.2 mile loop with climbs, aid station food, and proceeds supporting trail improvements.
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.
Trail endurance races at Jester Park in Granger, Iowa on Nov 21 2026 with 10 Mile, 50K, 50 Mile and 100 Mile options and UTMB index status for the longer distances.
A 7th annual Turkey Trot in Panora, Iowa featuring an all-terrain 3.1 mile cross country run/walk on the South Shore Walking Trail at Lake Panorama.
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.
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 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 run at Scott County Park near Long Grove, IA, on a 3.65 mile loop with a stocked aid station, pacers after 12 hours, and custom awards.