Trail Running calendar near Des Moines 2026-2027

Trail ultramarathon at Whiterock Conservancy in Coon Rapids, Iowa offering 50 mile and 50K course options with looped trail routes and training previews.

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.

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, Iowa with repeated 4.167 mile laps each hour and a 12 hour cap; the winner is the last runner to complete one more lap.

Booneville Backroads Ultra on September 5, 2026 in Booneville, Iowa features 10K, 50K, 100K and 100 mile routes through rural roads and the Bridges of Madison County. New for 2026 are marked ultra courses, Trail Sisters discounts, and limit..

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 looped backyard ultra at Lake Ahquabi where runners complete a 4.167-mile lap each hour until one runner outlasts the rest. The trail is mostly dirt with lake views; overnight runners must carry a headlamp.

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 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.

The To Grandmother's House We Go will take place in West Des Moines on Saturday 24 October 2026. You can run between 5 and 15 kilometers.

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.

A trail endurance event at Jester Park, Granger, Iowa on November 21, 2026 offering 10 mile, 50K, 50 mile and 100 mile races. Aid stations are cupless so bring personal hydration; pacer rules apply for the 100 mile.

Turkey Trails in Des Moines is an annual Thanksgiving themed running event on November 22, 2026 at Gray's Lake Park with on-site races from a kids dash to a half marathon and a virtual option. Features include chip timing, event shirts, med..

Sycamore 8 is a December trail race in Johnston, Iowa, that follows the Sycamore Trail along the Des Moines River. The route offers rolling single track, river views, variable winter conditions, and a field capped at 300 participants.