Trail Running calendar near Ames 2026-2027

Two days of obstacle-course racing at Seven Oaks Recreation in Boone, Iowa offering 5K, 6-mile Full Gladiator and junior/parent 5K heats. Sunday includes kid pricing, an exclusive wristband and group drink rewards.

Test your endurance at George Wyth State Park by completing ten 5k runs every couple of hours over a full day. Enjoy hot meals and paved trails while working toward a unique handmade finisher prize.

A free community 5K walk and run at Saydel High School in Des Moines on May 16, 2026. The event features free food, family activities like bounce houses and a dunk tank, and a free medal for participants.

Embrace the Race 5k on June 7, 2026 in West Des Moines is an untimed, inclusive community run that promotes health equity and cultural awareness with accessible trails, family activities, live music, storytime, and ASL interpreted speakers.

Experience an evening trail race through the woods and prairies of McFarland Park. This summer event offers 5K and 10K distances with post race food and games while supporting local conservation efforts.

Part of the Iowa Trail Run Series, Sleepy Hollow in Des Moines hosts 5K and 10K trail races on June 27, 2026, with clear course marking, basic timing, a custom bib, a rotating race item, and post-race food.

Join the Treat Trot Des Moines at Riverview Park for timed 15K, 10K, and 5K races or recreational 1 mile and kids runs. Enjoy chip timing, custom medals, and finish line snacks with the whole family.

House of Hope Trail Blaze on July 11, 2026 at George Wyth State Park features a 6.2-mile loop through the park and Hartman Reserve. Team and individual 5K and 10K options include official timing and top-three awards.

A trail ultramarathon at Whiterock Conservancy near Coon Rapids, Iowa featuring 50K and 50 mile looped courses with regular aid stations and proceeds donated to the conservancy.

Experience a summer running tradition in Des Moines with distances including a half marathon, 10K, and 5K. Enjoy chip timed results, free photos, and finisher medals followed by ice cream at the finish line.

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 backyard ultra in Bussey, IA where runners complete repeated **4.167 mile** laps each hour up to a 12 hour cap; the last runner to complete an extra lap wins, and all others receive results by distance or laps.

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, Iowa offering 10K, 50K, 100K and 100-mile options, with marked ultra courses, cue sheets required, and limited crew support on course.

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.

A community fun run about a 5K at Reclaimed Rails Brewing Company in Bondurant on September 20, 2026. Entry includes one craft beverage, series swag, and access to live music and local food vendors.

An off road 5 Miles obstacle course in Saint Charles, Iowa on September 26, 2026, hosted by Contributors Breakfast Club; the local fundraiser keeps proceeds in Iowa and lets participants help design several obstacles.

A backyard ultra at Lake Ahquabi State Park where runners complete repeated 4.167 mile laps every hour until one runner completes one more lap than everyone else. The loop runs through wooded trail with aid stations and on-course restrooms.

A runnable trail race at George Wyth State Park featuring mostly smooth single track, two distance options (13K and 25K), limited on-course aid, and post-race food and awards near Canfield Shelter.

A chip timed 5K in Keystone, Iowa on 10/10/2026 where participants wear flag belts and encounter costumed zombies who try to pull flags. Proceeds support Keystone First Responders and Benton Girl's Wrestling.