Trail Running Calendar Iowa 2025-2026

The House of Hope Trail Blaze is a trail running event held at George Wyth State Park in Waterloo, Iowa. Scheduled for July 12, 2025, the race features scenic hard trails and offers three race options: a Team 10K relay with five participants, an Individual 10K, and an Individual 5K. The event provid..

The Lake Macbride Trail Races, held in Solon, Iowa, offer challenging 50K and 25K trail runs around Lake Macbride State Park, Iowa's largest state park. The course features one or two loops starting and finishing at the Macbride Spillway parking area. Runners experience a mix of crushed limestone tr..

The Whiterock Ultra is a trail running event held at the scenic Whiterock Conservancy in Coon Rapids, Iowa, featuring 50K and 50-mile distances. Set within a 5,500-acre nonprofit land trust with 40 miles of trails along the Middle Raccoon River Valley, the race offers challenging courses with signif..

The Trail of the Dragon 50 Mile Run, held in Ida Grove, Iowa at Moorehead Park, offers challenging trail running through rolling hills and historic sites. The course features 10-mile loops on single-track dirt and mowed meadows, with an elevation gain of about 1,000 feet per loop. Runners can choose..

The Moorehead Park Trail Mazathon is a challenging 26.2-mile marathon held in Ida Grove, Iowa, featuring single-track dirt and mowed meadow trails through the rolling hills of Moorehead Park. The course consists of three 8.8-mile loops, with options to run one loop (1/3 Mazathon), two loops (2/3 Maz..

The Mines of Spain Trail Races, held in Dubuque, Iowa, offer runners three challenging distances: a half marathon, 7-mile, and 4-mile race. Set in the scenic Mines of Spain State Recreation Area, the courses feature diverse terrain including dirt single and double tracks, prairie grass trails, rocky..

The Trench Run is a challenging 10K trail race held at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa. This unique event features a course that includes military simulations such as trenches, smoke, pyrotechnics, blank fire, military vehicles, fire trucks, streams, and occasional helicopter flybys, offering a distinc..

The Iowa Trail Run Series: Annett Nature Center takes place in Indianola, Iowa, offering 5K and 10K trail runs through the scenic Warren County Parks' Annett Nature Center. Participants enjoy a late summer race featuring gravel paths, dirt trails, and prairie grass landscapes. The event supports loc..

ScoCo50 is a trail running event held at scenic Scott County Park in Long Grove, Iowa, offering 50K, 10-mile, and 5-mile race distances. The course features a mostly dirt and grass trail loop with about 950 feet of elevation gain per 10-mile loop, winding through wooded and prairie areas with some p..

The Booneville Backroads Ultra, held in Booneville, Iowa, offers challenging trail races including 100-mile, 100K, 50K, and 10K distances. The course features the scenic Bridges of Madison County and rural Iowa countryside, with significant elevation gain and rolling hills, promising a tough but rew..

The Pleasant Creek Trail Run, hosted by the Eastern Iowa Trail Alliance, is an annual trail running event held in Palo, Iowa. The 2025 race offers three distances: 15K, 30K, and 45K, all run on Pleasant Creek’s scenic outer equestrian trail loop. The course features primarily dirt and grass trails w..

The Friends of Pilot Knob Trail Race is held annually at Pilot Knob State Park in Forest City, Iowa. The event features 5K and 10K trail races, offering runners a scenic course through the park's natural surroundings. Participants enjoy a friendly and supportive atmosphere, with refreshments served..

The Broken Anvil Backyard Ultra is a challenging endurance running event held in West Point, Iowa, at South Park and Pollmiller Lake Campgrounds. Participants run repetitive 4.167-mile loops on a course featuring paved bike paths, roads, crushed gravel, and trails, with minimal elevation gain. The r..

The Iowa Trail Run Series: Yellow River State Forest takes place in Harpers Ferry, Iowa, within the unique driftless region known for its varied terrain and scenic valley views. This event offers three race distances: a 5K, 10K, and half marathon, catering to trail runners of all skill levels. Parti..

The Doggone Tired Ultra is a trail running event held at Rodgers Park in Vinton, Iowa. It offers two race distances: a 50K ultra and a 10-mile run. The course features a scenic 10-mile loop around the lake and campground areas, including wood chip trails, grassy fields, wooded sections, and about 3...

The Iowa Trail Run Series: Jester Park takes place in Granger, Iowa, along the scenic shore of Saylorville Lake within Jester Park. Runners can choose between a 5K or 10K race on varied trail surfaces including gravel, dirt, and grass. The course offers a unique experience with natural surroundings..

The Haunted Heritage Trail Fun Run / Hero Walk in Dyersville, Iowa, offers a festive and spooky running experience with multiple events including a 5K Haunted Heritage Trail Fun Run, a 10K Trail Run, and a 1 Mile Hero Walk. Participants are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes as they navigate a 3...

The Swiss Valley Trail Races, held in Peosta, Iowa, offer runners three distance options: 5.2 miles, 25K, and 50K. Set within the scenic Swiss Valley Nature Preserve, the course features rugged terrain, creek crossings, and steep inclines, with each 5.2-mile loop climbing approximately 875 feet. The..

The Iowa Trail Run Series: Sugar Bottom Fall takes place in Solon, Iowa, offering runners a scenic trail running experience with options of a 5K, 10K, and half marathon. This fall edition allows participants to challenge their times from the spring race and earn bonus swag. The event supports local..

The Backbone Trail Run takes place in Dundee, Iowa, within the scenic Backbone State Park. This event offers two race distances: a moderate 4.3-mile course and a more challenging 10K Lake Loop. Participants enjoy a well-organized trail run featuring a mix of pavement and natural trails, providing be..