Trail Running calendar near Central City 2026-2027

A weekend multi-sport event in Yellow River State Forest combining a mostly flat five mile trail run with catch and release fly fishing and local craft beer. Proceeds support coldwater and habitat projects in northeastern Iowa.

Trail race at Swiss Valley Nature Preserve near Peosta, Iowa, run on a 5.2 mile loop with significant elevation gain; distances include 5.2 miles, 25K, and 50K. Camping, free showers, and shuttle service are provided.

A coffee themed 2K and 5K fun run and walk at Case Creek Trails on October 4, 2026. The untimed event features aid stations, post race hot drinks and treats, optional swag, and fundraising for QC PAWS.

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 trail running event at Backbone State Park in Dundee, Iowa, on Saturday, October 10, 2026, organized by Backbone Lake Friends, offering a 4.3 mile Original route and a 10K Lake Loop with stated difficulty levels.

A charity running event in Solon, Iowa featuring a timed 5K and a Monster Mile, with all proceeds to the Arthritis Foundation to support pediatric rheumatic disease awareness.

A roughly 20-mile loop trail ultrarun in Dubuque, IA used for both a five-loop 100-mile and three-loop 100k, featuring mixed terrain, significant elevation per loop, and river and bluff views.

A 48 hour endurance event at Big Woods Campground in Cedar Falls featuring repeated four mile legs every four hours and an optional two mile add on. Individual and two to four person relay entries run varied trails with aid stations offerin..

Experience the seasonal beauty of Clayton County at the Pony Hollow Trail 15K and 5K. Run through the historic Motor Mill park area and enjoy the autumn foliage on this established trail course.

Trail endurance runs in the Mines of Spain near Dubuque, IA offering 25K and 50K out-and-back courses with approximately 2200 and 4400 feet of elevation gain. Single-track, stone steps, stream crossings, and three aid stations.

A Backyard Ultra in Colona, Illinois on Nov 7, 2026, consisting of repeated 4.17 miles loops on a mostly flat course with one hill out of a ravine. Parking and camping space are available.

A backyard ultra in Delmar, IA where runners complete a 4.16 mile loop each hour until only one person remains. Participants receive a 10 by 10 foot camp space, may bring up to three crew members, and get a custom hockey sweater.

A six hour trail endurance run at Pinicon Ridge Park near Central City, IA featuring a 1.2 mile loop with steep climbs and stairs. Aid station food, a long sleeve race shirt, heated lodge space, and awards for high loop counts are provided.

A semi self supported 200 mile point to point race in Iowa, mostly on paved trails closed to motor vehicles. The course runs from Marshalltown to Jefferson, offers seven aid and sleep stations, and features live GPS tracking.