Trail Running calendar near Ames 2026-2027

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 5K untimed fun run at Reclaimed Rails Brewing Company in Bondurant on September 20, 2026, with an open course that highlights Lake Petocka. Registration includes a craft beverage and series swag, plus music, food trucks, and games.

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.

Trail race at George Wyth State Park in Waterloo IA offering 13K and 25K on runnable dirt single track. Limited on course aid and finish area food 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.

A 48 hour endurance event at Big Woods Campground in Cedar Falls, IA with solo and 2 to 4 person relay options. Runners complete 4 miles every four hours, with on course food, water, participant sweatshirts, and finisher medals.

A fall trail race in Brown's Woods, West Des Moines, offering 5K, 10K and 15K looped courses on single and double track dirt. Proceeds support local trail stewardship groups.

Timed 6, 12 and 24 hour runs on a 1.905 mile lighted loop at Gray's Lake Park in Des Moines, with age and sex equalizer scoring, an aid station, indoor toilets, race shirts, and awards after the race.