Trail Running calendar near Ames 2026-2027

Treat Trot Des Moines at Riverview Park on June 28, 2026 offers races from a Kids Dash and 1 mile to 5K, 10K and 15K, plus virtual and volunteer then run options. Registrations include a shirt, finisher medal, chip timing and photos.

House of Hope Trail Blaze is a trail race at George Wyth State Park in Waterloo on July 11, 2026, offering team and individual 10K and 5K options with timed results and top-three awards in each category.

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.

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.

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 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 offers 100 mile, 100K, 50K and 10K options over hilly rural roads and bridges. Organizers plan course markings, allow limited crew support, and offer discounts for Trail Sisters group members.

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 5k at Reclaimed Rails Brewing Company in Bondurant Iowa on September 20 2026 where participants can run walk or jog the course and finish with a celebration at the brewery.

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 loop endurance event at Lake Ahquabi where runners complete a 4.167 mile lap each hour until one runner completes one more lap than the rest. The course is a mostly dirt trail around the lake with aid at the start and a mid-loop station.

Fast Track Trail Race on September 26, 2026 at George Wyth State Park in Waterloo, Iowa offers runnable single track with 13K and 25K options. The event provides limited aid, race photos, event swag, awards, and post-race food.

A family-oriented mud run at Camp Sacajawea on September 26, 2026, with a 1-mile youth course and a 3-mile mud-obstacle course; proceeds benefit Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa and all participants receive a race shirt.

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.

A 48-hour endurance event at Big Woods Campground in Cedar Falls, Iowa, featuring 4-mile legs every 4 hours, individual and 2-4 person relay options, on-course aid, race sweatshirts, and medals for finishers.

A fall trail race at Brown's Woods in West Des Moines offering 5K, 10K and 15K options on single and double track dirt. The looped course repeats the 5K loop for longer distances and proceeds support local trail stewardship.

An ultra-distance timed event at Gray's Lake in Des Moines with 6, 12 and 24 hour races on a USATF certified 1.905 mile loop. Results use an age and sex equalizer to determine overall awards.

The Iowa Trail Run Series: Whiterock takes place November 7, 2026 at Whiterock Conservatory in Coon Rapids, Iowa. Offered distances include 5K, 10K, a half marathon and a new 30K option, with registration opening November 11, 2025.

A charity 5K and 1 mile fun run in Des Moines on November 14, 2026, held at Confluence Brewing Company. The looped trail event features chip timing and supports Marys Helping Hands, which provides basics for new families.