Trail Running Calendar Iowa 2026-2027

Trail races at Lake Macbride State Park near Solon, IA offering 25K and 50K on mostly trail terrain with looped routes, multiple aid stations, parking nearby, and a 175-runner cap.

A midsummer trail event at Crescent Hill at Hitchcock on July 18, 2026 offering a 3.1 mile trail run and a 2.2 mile nature hike through the Loess Hills with costume awards and eco friendly medals.

Trail-based 50 mile and 50K races at Whiterock Conservancy in Coon Rapids, Iowa on July 25, 2026, using looped trails with pre-event course previews, handcrafted finisher awards and a published inclement weather plan.

Experience the natural beauty of Decoronah during the Nordic Fest Elveløpet. Run or walk along the Upper Iowa River on courses ranging from a family friendly 5k to a 15k trail route.

A multi-distance running event in Des Moines on July 26, 2026 featuring Kids Dash, 1 mile, 5K, 10K, half marathon, relay, volunteer options, and a virtual race with mailed packets and event swag.

Experience historic stage coach trails and rolling hills in Ida Grove at this loop based trail event. Runners choose between fifty mile and fifty kilometer distances with well stocked aid stations in a scenic park setting.

Experience historical landmarks and rolling hills at the Moorehead Park Trail Mazathon. Choose from three distances on a scenic loop featuring 1000 feet of elevation gain and well stocked aid stations.

A timed 5k trail run or walk at Connorridge Farms in Oxford, Iowa, with a Virtual 5k option, prairie views, a prairie identification challenge, awards, and on-site finish line music.

Experience the natural beauty of Dubuque with trail races through the Mines of Spain Recreation Area. Enjoy distances ranging from 4 miles to a half marathon followed by a post race party with brick oven pizza and local beer.

Wildcat XC on August 8, 2026 in Janesville, Iowa includes a competitive 5K, a fun 5K, a family run, and a youth 1 mile race. Fees are $30 for the 5K and $15 for the kids mile and all proceeds support the Janesville CSD Cross Country program..

Part of Hoover Hometown Days on August 8, 2026, the event features a 5K through the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site tall-grass prairie and a 1.5K walk around the Presidential Library grounds.

A community 6K run in Springville, Iowa on August 8, 2026 using an alternate town route instead of the quarry. Chip timing, awards for overall and age-group winners, and proceeds support Springville Sports Boosters.

ScoCo50 is a trail race at Scott County Park near Long Grove, IA offering 50K, 10 mile and 5 mile options on mixed dirt and grass trails, with aid stations, drop bag access, and limited crew and pacer allowances.

A backyard ultra in Bussey, IA where runners complete repeated *4.167 mile* laps each hour for up to 12 hours; laps must be finished within 60 minutes and the last runner to outlast others is the winner. Crew aid is allowed only between lap..

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.

Booneville Backroads Ultra on September 5, 2026 in Booneville, Iowa features 10K, 50K, 100K and 100 mile routes through rural roads and the Bridges of Madison County. New for 2026 are marked ultra courses, Trail Sisters discounts, and limit..

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 races on a 15K loop at Pleasant Creek in Palo IA on September 12 2026, offering 15K, 30K and 45K distances with timed results and post-race activities.

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.