Trail Running calendar near Palo 2025-2026

The Mines of Spain Trail Races, held in Dubuque, Iowa, offer runners three challenging distances: a half marathon, 7-mile, and 4-mile race. Set in the scenic Mines of Spain State Recreation Area, the courses feature diverse terrain including dirt single and double tracks, prairie grass trails, rocky..

Trystan's Backyard Ultra, held at La Riviere Park in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, is a unique endurance running event featuring a challenging 4.167-mile loop course through scenic trails with 200–350 feet of elevation gain. Runners must complete each loop within one hour, with the race continuing un..

ScoCo50 is a trail running event held at Scott County Park in Long Grove, Iowa, offering 50K, 10-mile, and 5-mile race distances. The course features a mostly dirt and grass trail system through wooded and prairie areas, with gentle elevation gains—approximately 950 feet per 10-mile loop for the 50K..

The Pleasant Creek Trail Run, held in Palo, Iowa, is an annual trail running event featuring three race distances: 15K, 30K, and 45K. The course runs on Pleasant Creek’s outer loop equestrian trail, a 15K loop of primarily dirt and grass trails with rolling hills and occasional small water crossings..

The 4sta Hike is an annual trail running event held at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve near Andalusia, Illinois, along the Mississippi River. Participants run a challenging 1-mile loop featuring smooth single track, rocks, roots, downed trees, and steep gradients up to 48%. The course offers two option..

The Doggone Tired Ultra is a trail running event held at Rodgers Park in Vinton, Iowa. It offers two race distances: a 50K ultra and a 10-mile run. The course features a scenic 10-mile loop around the park’s lake and campground, including wood chip trails, grassy fields, wooded technical sections, a..

The Swiss Valley Trail Races, held in Peosta, Iowa, offer runners three distance options: 5.2 miles, 25K, and 50K. Set within the scenic Swiss Valley Nature Preserve, the course features rugged terrain, creek crossings, and steep inclines, with each 5.2-mile loop climbing approximately 875 feet. The..

The Haunted Heritage Trail Fun Run / Hero Walk in Dyersville, Iowa, offers a festive and spooky running experience with multiple events including a 5K Haunted Heritage Trail Fun Run, a 10K Trail Run, and a 1 Mile Hero Walk. Participants are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes as they navigate a 3...

The Backbone Trail Run takes place at Backbone State Park in Dundee, Iowa, offering two race distances: a moderate 4.3-mile course and a more challenging 10K Lake Loop. This trail race is known for its beautiful, scenic setting and a course that starts on pavement before transitioning to trails, pro..

The Mines of Spain 100 is a challenging Midwest trail ultramarathon held in Dubuque, Iowa, set in the scenic bluffs, prairies, and forests of the Driftless Region along the Mississippi River valley. The event offers two distances: 100 miles (five loops) and 100 kilometers (three loops) on a roughly..

Meyerhoff's Mayhem is a unique endurance running event held at Big Woods Campground in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Participants run 4 miles every 4 hours over a 48-hour period, with an optional 2-mile add-on after the final leg. The event welcomes solo runners, teams of 2-4, and ruck participants carrying we..

The Miner 49er is an endurance running event held in the scenic Mines of Spain near Dubuque, Iowa. It features two race distances: a 25K and a 50K, with the 50K being a double loop of the 25K course. Runners experience approximately 2,200 feet of elevation gain on the 25K and 4,400 feet on the 50K...

Woodpecker Six is a six-hour endurance trail run held in Linn County's scenic Pinicon Ridge Park near Central City, Iowa. The course features a challenging 1.2-mile loop with two significant climbs and multiple stairs, totaling about 215 feet of elevation gain per loop through heavily wooded terrain..

The Critter is an endurance running event held at Ingawanis Adventure Base in Waverly, Iowa. It offers multiple race durations, including 4-hour, 8-hour, and 12-hour options, catering to various levels of ultrarunning enthusiasts. The event takes place on December 31, 2025, providing a unique opport..

The Galena Sky Trail Race is an annual trail running event held at Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, Illinois, typically on the third weekend of May. The race features challenging, runnable trails winding through ski hills with majestic views of the Mississippi River and neighboring states Iowa an..