Trail Running calendar near Ames 2026-2027

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..

Trail events at Winterset City Park featuring a chip timed 5K that starts and finishes at the Stone Pedestrian Bridge and a free one mile kids run.

Backyard Ultra in Bussey IA with 4.167 mile laps each hour and a 12 hour cap, where the winner is the last runner to complete an extra 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.

A rural ultra in Booneville, IA on Sep 5, 2026 offering 100-mile, 100K, 50K and 10K races over hilly country roads with newly marked ultra courses.

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 fun run at Reclaimed Rails Brewing Company in Bondurant with running, walking, or jogging and a post-run celebration, presented by the Iowa Brewery Running Series.

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 where runners complete a 4.167 mile lap each hour until one runner completes one more lap than anyone else.

Trail race at George Wyth State Park near Waterloo IA offering 13K single loop and 25K two-loop courses with limited on course aid and post-race food.

An obstacle mud run at Camp Sacajawea on September 26 with one mile and three mile courses, waiver required, proceeds benefit Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa.

A non timed 1 mile and 3 mile walk and run around Hickory Grove Lake at Snow Bunting Lodge. The event raises funds for Chase Away K9 Cancer in memory of a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog named Remy and welcomes pets.

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 community 5K run and walk at the Iowa Arboretum on October 10, 2026 supporting the Foundation for the BAHS, with packet pickup and dog friendly amenities.

A 48 hour endurance event in Cedar Falls with repeated 4 mile legs, individual and team relay options, on course meals, participant sweatshirts and finisher medals.

Trail races at Brown's Woods in West Des Moines offering 5K, 10K and 15K on single and double track dirt, with proceeds supporting local trail organizations.

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.

Trail ultramarathon at Jester Park near Granger, IA offering 10 Mile, 50K, 50 Mile and 100 Mile races with aid stations, cupless policy, and specific pacer rules for the 100.