Trail Running Calendar Iowa 2026-2027

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..

A community event on August 8, 2026 at the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site featuring a 5K run on prairie trails and a 1.5K walk.

A 6K run and walk in Springville, Iowa on August 8, 2026, using an alternate town route this year with proceeds going to Springville Sports Boosters.

Trail events at Winterset City Park featuring a chip timed 5K that starts and finishes at the Stone Pedestrian Bridge and a free one mile kids run.

ScoCo50 at Scott County Park features 50K, 10 mile and 5 mile summer trail races on multi-surface loops with stocked aid stations and online registration only.

Backyard Ultra in Bussey IA with 4.167 mile laps each hour and a 12 hour cap, where the winner is the last runner to complete an extra 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.

A rural ultra in Booneville, IA on Sep 5, 2026 offering 100-mile, 100K, 50K and 10K races over hilly country roads with newly marked ultra courses.

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 with repeated 4.167 mile loops at Pollmiller Lake Park near West Point, Iowa, on a mixed paved and trail course with camping and basic aid.

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.

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.