Trail Running Calendar Iowa 2026-2027

A midsummer trail event at Crescent Hill in Honey Creek, Iowa offering a 5K trail race and a 2.2 mile nature hike, with costume awards and proceeds supporting a tow rope and four season recreation in the Loess Hills.

Trail ultramarathon at Whiterock Conservancy in Coon Rapids, Iowa on July 25, 2026. Races include a 50K and a 50 mile on looped trails with regular aid stations and awards, with proceeds donated to the conservancy.

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.

Experience historic stage coach trails and rolling hills in Ida Grove at this loop based trail event. Runners choose between fifty mile and fifty kilometer distances with well stocked aid stations in a scenic park setting.

Experience historical landmarks and rolling hills at the Moorehead Park Trail Mazathon. Choose from three distances on a scenic loop featuring 1000 feet of elevation gain and well stocked aid stations.

Experience the natural beauty of Dubuque with trail races through the Mines of Spain Recreation Area. Enjoy distances ranging from 4 miles to a half marathon followed by a post race party with brick oven pizza and local beer.

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..

Trail races at Scott County Park near Long Grove IA offering 50K, 10 Miler and 5 Miler courses on mixed dirt and grass trails. The 50K is three laps of a roughly 10 mile loop with aid stations and specific crew and pacer rules.

A backyard ultra at 2308 Victory Lane in Bussey, IA where runners complete 4.167 mile laps every hour for up to 12 hours, with crew aid allowed between laps and a 12 hour race cap.

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 rural ultra in Booneville, Iowa that runs through the Bridges of Madison County. Distances range from 10K to 100 mile, with marked ultra courses and limited crew support introduced for 2026.

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.

Wabash Trace Running Festival in Shenandoah, Iowa follows the crushed limestone Wabash Trace Nature Trail and offers marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and a free kids mile. Races include well stocked aid stations and community support.

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 Backyard Ultra at Pollmiller Lake Park in West Point, Iowa featuring repeated 4.167 mile loops with a one hour limit per loop. The single loop course mixes paved path, gravel, and trail, and onsite camping is available.

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.

The Wild Boar Challenge is a 5-mile off-road obstacle course in Saint Charles, Iowa. Organized locally, it lets runners help design the obstacles they'll tackle. All funds raised support the local Iowa community.

A backyard ultra at Lake Ahquabi where runners complete repeating 4.167-mile laps, each within 60 minutes. The last runner to finish one more lap than anyone else wins; there is no preset race cap.

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.