Trail Running Calendar Iowa 2025-2026

Brave winter trails in Dubuque County at the Triple D Winter Endurance Race, featuring bike and run distances from 5K to 70 miles on the Heritage Trail and nearby routes. Finish at 7Hills for warm food, prizes and community celebration.

Shake off winter with the Groundhog Grind Trail Run at Thomas Mitchell Park in Altoona, Iowa on February 1, 2026. Choose a 5K or 10K loop on scenic, ribbon marked trails that pass ponds, prairie and a red bridge, or run virtually from anywh..

Run the Center Trails in Des Moines with 4 and 8 mile options in the Iowa Trail Run Series on scenic local routes. Enjoy clear course marking, timing, rotating race swag, post race food and optional tri blend shirt for a fun race day.

Join the Team Red Shamrock Trail Challenge at Coralville Creekside Park, a charity trail race with 5K and 10 mile options. Enjoy varied single track, grass and paved trails and a post race celebration at Field Day Brewing Co.

Run the scenic Mines of Spain in Dubuque on May 2, 2026 with 5K 10K and half marathon options. Enjoy clear course support, a custom bib and a rotating race item, plus post race food and a series gift if you register for the full series.

Join the Friends of Yellow River State Forest Trail Run/Walk May 8 and 9 in Harpers Ferry, IA for timed trail 5K, 10K and half marathon options through scenic forest terrain. Proceeds support the state forest and awards include unique canva..

Take on scenic single track at Sunderbruch Park on May 16 2026 with 5K and 10K options for all levels. Expect dirt trails, technical sections, aid stations, and a relaxed post race potluck with bacon and beer.

Run the Hometown Half Marathon & 5k/10k in Des Moines on May 24, 2026 with options from Kid's Dash to half marathon and virtual entries. Enjoy a designer shirt, custom medal, chip timing and live results.

Run into evening at McFarland Park near Ames for the Iowa Trail Run Series Midsummer Night's Run, a sunset trail 5K and 10K over single track, prairie and gravel. Enjoy post race food, games and a rotating race item while supporting Story C..

Discover the new Iowa Trail Run Series at Sleepy Hollow in Des Moines on June 27, 2026, with 5K and 10K trail options. Enjoy clear course marking, a custom bib and rotating race swag, simple timing and post race food.

Join Treat Trot Des Moines on June 28, 2026 for a family friendly race with options from Kids Dash to Half Marathon and a virtual entry. Enjoy designer shirts, finisher medals, chip timing and free photos in a fun community atmosphere.

Run rugged trails and rolling climbs at Whiterock Ultra in Coon Rapids Iowa with 50K and 50 mile options across 5,500 acres of conserved land. Proceeds benefit Whiterock Conservancy and every finisher earns a unique award.

Beat the heat at the Heatwave Half Marathon in Des Moines on July 26, 2026, with races from a kids dash and 1 mile to 5K, 10K, half marathon and relay plus virtual options. Enjoy chip timing, custom shirts and medals, free finish line photo..

Take on scenic, technical trails at the Mines of Spain Trail Races in Dubuque, IA on August 8, 2026, with 4 mile, 7 mile and half marathon options. Enjoy bluff views of the Mississippi, challenging climbs and a family friendly kids mini rac..

Booneville Backroads Ultra near Van Meter Iowa offers distances from 10K to 100 miles through rural roads and Madison County bridges. Expect big hills, muddy stretches and a friendly grassroots vibe with crew support in 2026.

Tackle singletrack at Pleasant Creek Park in Palo, Iowa on Saturday, September 13 for the 11th Pleasant Creek Trail Run. Choose 15K, 30K or 45K and enjoy a scenic counterclockwise course with aid stations and a postrace celebration.

Hit scenic trails along Saylorville Lake at the Iowa Trail Run Series in Jester Park, with 5K, 10K and a new enduro loop for solo or team racers. Enjoy varied terrain, course support, rotating swag and post race food.

Discover the scenic trails of Yellow River State Forest in Iowa's driftless region near Harpers Ferry with 5K, 10K and half marathon options. Tackle varied terrain, soak up valley views, and enjoy camaraderie and post race fun.

Celebrate fall at the Golden Harvest in Des Moines on September 27, 2026, with 1 mile, 5k, 10k and half marathon options for runners of all levels. Family friendly with kid and virtual runs, designer shirts, finisher medals and chip timed r..

Take on rugged trails and creek crossings at the Swiss Valley Trail Races in Peosta, Iowa on Oct 3, 2026, with 5.2 mile, 25k and 50k loop options. Proceeds benefit Friends of Dubuque County Conservation and free camping and shuttles ease ra..