Trail Running calendar near Van Meter 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.

Join the Treat Trot Des Moines at Riverview Park for timed 15K, 10K, and 5K races or recreational 1 mile and kids runs. Enjoy chip timing, custom medals, and finish line snacks with the whole family.

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 at 2308 Victory Lane in Bussey, IA where runners complete a 4.167 mile loop each hour up to a 12 hour cap. Crews attend from a designated area and the last runner to complete one more lap than others is the winner.

Booneville Backroads Ultra in rural Iowa offers 10K, 50K, 100K and 100 mile options over hilly backroads and the Bridges of Madison County. In 2026 courses will be marked, crew support is allowed, and Trail Sisters discounts are available.

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 backyard ultra at Lake Ahquabi State Park where runners repeat **4.167 mile** laps on the hour until one runner completes one more lap than the rest. Aid is provided at the shelter and a midway station, with overnight lighting and headlam..

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 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.

Born to Run 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run start at Confluence Brewing Company in Des Moines with chip timing and finish line video. Proceeds benefit Mary's Helping Hands and the event welcomes walkers, strollers and leashed dogs.

A trail endurance event at Jester Park, Granger, IA on November 21, 2026 offering 10M, 50K, 50M and 100M distances; the 50K, 50M and 100M are UTMB index races. Cupless aid stations, included shirt and medal, and pacer rules for the 100M.

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.

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.