Trail Running calendar near Des Moines 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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 community running event at Confluence Brewing Company in Des Moines featuring a professionally timed 5K and a non competitive 1 Mile Fun Run with family pricing and proceeds supporting Marys Helping Hands.

On November 21, 2026 the Stuffed Turkey Endurance Races return to Jester Park in Granger, Iowa, offering 10 Mile, 50K, 50 Mile and 100 Mile trail events. The 50K, 50 Mile and 100 Mile are UTMB index races with cupless aid stations and pacer..

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.