Trail Running calendar near Ames 2026-2027

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.

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 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 ultra at Whiterock Conservancy on July 25, 2026 offering a 50 mile and a 50 km course built from Red, White and Blue loops, with course previews, handcrafted reclaimed-wood awards, and published course resources.

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, Iowa where runners complete repeated 4.167 mile laps each hour under a 12 hour cap; the last runner to complete one more lap than others is the winner. The course is trail-based and starts and finishes at the bar..

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 ultramarathon in Booneville, Iowa offering 10K up to 100-mile distances on hilly, often rugged backroads; upcoming races will use marked ultra routes, allow limited crew support, and offer Trail Sisters discounts.

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 event at Lake Ahquabi where runners complete repeated 4.167 mile laps each hour until one runner completes one more lap than anyone else. Aid and crew areas are based at the beach shelter house near Indianola, IA.

Fast Track Trail Race in George Wyth State Park, Waterloo, IA features runnable dirt single-track courses in 13K and 25K two-loop formats. The course is smooth with gentle rollers and on-course support is limited to a few aid points.

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 in Cedar Falls with repeated 4 mile legs every four hours and an optional 2 mile add-on. Teams of 2 to 4 can split legs and the course uses paved trails and a disc golf area.

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.

Timed endurance events at Gray's Lake Park offering 6, 12 and 24 hour options. Results use an age and sex equalizer so overall awards combine actual distance with the equalizer.