Trail Running calendar near Ames 2026-2027

A community 5K by Lucky Penny Kitties at Max Championship Cross Country Course in Waverly, IA on May 9, 2026. The event raises funds for a local cat rescue and features a silent auction, food trucks, henna, and several local vendors.

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.

An inclusive community 5k in West Des Moines focused on health equity and cultural awareness. The event uses accessible trails and family friendly activities, with live music, storytime, and spaces for reflection and community connection.

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.

The Iowa Trail Run Series: Sleepy Hollow will take place in Des Moines on Saturday 27 June 2026. You can run between 3 and 6 miles.

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.

Trail ultramarathon at Whiterock Conservancy in Coon Rapids, Iowa on July 25, 2026. Races include a 50K and a 50 mile on looped trails with regular aid stations and awards, with 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.

Test your limits at the Cedar Bend Endurance Event in Waverly, Iowa. Run as many laps as possible of a scenic 3.15 mile trail loop during a 4 hour or 8 hour timed challenge.

A rural ultra in Booneville, Iowa that runs through the Bridges of Madison County. Distances range from 10K to 100 mile, with marked ultra courses and limited crew support introduced for 2026.

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.

The Wild Boar Challenge is a 5-mile off-road obstacle course in Saint Charles, Iowa. Organized locally, it lets runners help design the obstacles they'll tackle. All funds raised support the local Iowa community.

A backyard ultra at Lake Ahquabi where runners complete repeating 4.167-mile laps, each within 60 minutes. The last runner to finish one more lap than anyone else wins; there is no preset race cap.

A runnable single track trail race at George Wyth State Park near Waterloo, IA, offered as 13K and 25K. The course runs through woods, prairie, and lakefront areas with limited on course aid and post race food near Canfield Shelter.