Trail Running Calendar Iowa 2025-2026

The Trail of the Dragon 50 Mile Run, held in Ida Grove, Iowa at Moorehead Park, offers challenging trail running through rolling hills and historic sites. The course features 10-mile loops on single-track dirt and mowed meadows, with options for a 50K (three loops plus a 1-mile out-and-back) or a 50..

The Moorehead Park Trail Mazathon is a challenging 26.2-mile marathon held in Ida Grove, Iowa, featuring single-track dirt and mowed meadow trails through the rolling hills of Moorehead Park. The course consists of three 8.8-mile loops, with options to run one loop (1/3 Mazathon), two loops (2/3 Maz..

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..

The Trench Run is a challenging 10K trail race held at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa. This unique event features a course that includes military simulations such as trenches, smoke, pyrotechnics, blank fire, military vehicles, fire trucks, streams, and occasional helicopter flybys, offering a distinc..

The Iowa Trail Run Series: Annett Nature Center takes place in Indianola, Iowa, offering 5K and 10K trail runs through the scenic Warren County Parks' Annett Nature Center. Participants enjoy a late summer race featuring gravel paths, dirt trails, and prairie grass landscapes. The event emphasizes a..

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 Booneville Backroads Ultra, held in Booneville, Iowa, offers challenging trail races through the scenic rural countryside and iconic Bridges of Madison County. The event features multiple distances: 100 miles, 100K, 50K, and a 10K, catering to a wide range of runners. Known for its significant e..

The LATR Backyard Ultra is a last-person-standing ultramarathon held at Lake Ahquabi State Park in Indianola, Iowa. Participants run a 4.167-mile loop around the scenic lake trails every hour on the hour, with no set finish time, continuing until only one runner remains. The course features mostly d..

The Pleasant Creek Trail Run, hosted by the Eastern Iowa Trail Alliance, is an annual trail running event held in Palo, Iowa. The 2025 race offers three distances: 15K, 30K, and 45K, all run on Pleasant Creek’s scenic outer equestrian trail loop. The course features primarily dirt and grass trails w..

The Friends of Pilot Knob Trail Race is held annually at Pilot Knob State Park in Forest City, Iowa. The event features 5K and 10K trail runs, offering participants a scenic course through the park's natural surroundings. Runners of all ages can compete, with awards given in multiple age divisions f..

The Broken Anvil Backyard Ultra is a challenging endurance running event held in West Point, Iowa, at Pollmiller Lake Park. Participants run repetitive 4.167-mile loops on a mixed-surface course featuring paved paths, gravel, and trails with minimal elevation change. The race tests physical and ment..

The Iowa Trail Run Series: Yellow River State Forest takes place in Harpers Ferry, Iowa, within the scenic driftless region known for its unique terrain and beautiful valley views. This event offers three race distances: a half marathon, 10K, and 5K, catering to trail runners of all skill levels. Pa..

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, both consisting of multiple laps around a scenic 10-mile loop. The course features beautiful wood chip trails around a lake and campground, sections of..

The Iowa Trail Run Series: Jester Park takes place in Granger, Iowa, along the scenic shore of Saylorville Lake within Jester Park. Runners can choose between a 5K or 10K race on varied trail surfaces including gravel, dirt, and grass. The event offers clear course markings, support, and basic timin..

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 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 Hawks Watch Run/Walk is an annual 5K trail running and walking event held at the scenic Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek, Iowa. Celebrating its 18th year in 2025, the race offers participants a chance to enjoy a challenging and picturesque course through natural surroundings. Registration..

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..

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 extension after the final leg. The course features a mix of paved trails and a disc golf course, offering va..

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..