Trail Running calendar near Waterloo 2026-2027

Event Overview The Friends of Yellow River State Forest Trail Run is the seventh annual running event held in the state forest. It takes place over two days, with events on May 8 and 9, 2026. The event is organized by the Friends of Yellow..

A community 5K by Lucky Penny Kitties at Max Championship Cross Country Course in Waverly, IA on May 9, 2026. The event raises funds for a local cat rescue and features a silent auction, food trucks, henna, and several local vendors.

Test your endurance at George Wyth State Park by completing ten 5k runs every couple of hours over a full day. Enjoy hot meals and paved trails while working toward a unique handmade finisher prize.

Crater Trail Run in Decorah, Iowa offers off road single track races from a kids mile to a 50K, with marked trails, several aid stations, and proceeds supporting local schools, trails and parks.

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.

A 5K Run/Walk at Camp Courageous in Monticello, IA on June 13, 2026 featuring a scenic trail route, packet pickup on June 12 and race day, race shirts for registrants by May 16, and age group awards.

The Strawberry Solstice Run is a 10 hour overnight timed trail event on a 5.25 mile loop at Millville Bridle Unit in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. The field is limited to 75 runners and the course uses one aid station on site.

House of Hope Trail Blaze on July 11, 2026 at George Wyth State Park features a 6.2-mile loop through the park and Hartman Reserve. Team and individual 5K and 10K options include official timing and top-three awards.

Trail races at Lake Macbride State Park in Solon, IA feature 50K and 25K courses on mostly trail terrain with multiple aid stations, packet pickup options, limited entries, and awards by gender and age groups.

Wildcat XC on August 8, 2026 in Janesville, Iowa includes a competitive 5K, a fun 5K, a family run, and a youth 1 mile race. Fees are $30 for the 5K and $15 for the kids mile and all proceeds support the Janesville CSD Cross Country program..

Test your endurance at Prairie du Chien's first backyard ultra featuring a 4.167 mile trail loop through La Riviere Park. Run one lap every hour until only one participant remains or enjoy a relaxed one lap fun run.

Test your limits at the Cedar Bend Endurance Event in Waverly, Iowa. Run as many laps as possible of a scenic 3.15 mile trail loop during a 4 hour or 8 hour timed challenge.

A trail race at Pleasant Creek County Park in Palo, Iowa offering 15K, 30K, and 45K on a 15K equestrian loop with dirt and grass trails, rolling hills, post-race cookout, awards, and timed results.

Experience the unique terrain of the driftless region at Yellow River State Forest. Choose from 5K 10K or half marathon distances and enjoy post race food games and sponsor giveaways.

A community fun run about a 5K at Reclaimed Rails Brewing Company in Bondurant on September 20, 2026. Entry includes one craft beverage, series swag, and access to live music and local food vendors.

A runnable single track trail race at George Wyth State Park near Waterloo, IA, offered as 13K and 25K. The course runs through woods, prairie, and lakefront areas with limited on course aid and post race food near Canfield Shelter.

Trail races at Swiss Valley Nature Preserve in Peosta IA use a 5.2 mile loop with creek crossings, steep climbs and rugged terrain, offered as 5.2 mile, 25k and 50k. Free camping, showers and shuttle service are provided.

A multi-sport weekend in October combining trail running, fly fishing, and craft beer at Yellow River State Forest near Harpers Ferry, Iowa. It features a mostly flat five mile trail run, catch and release trout fishing, and fundraising for..

A chip timed 5K in Keystone, Iowa on October 10, 2026 where runners wear flag belts and volunteers in makeup try to pull flags along the course. Proceeds go to Keystone First Responders and a secondary charity to be named.

An endurance event at Big Woods Campground in Cedar Falls offering individual and team relay formats over 48 hour. Runners complete 4 miles every 4 hours with an optional two mile add on after the final leg.