Trail Running Calendar Iowa 2026-2027

A 48 hour endurance event in Cedar Falls with repeated 4 mile legs every four hours and an optional 2 mile add-on. Teams of 2 to 4 can split legs and the course uses paved trails and a disc golf area.

Trail races at Geode State Park in Danville, IA on October 17, 2026, offering 5K, 12K and 25K routes on varied terrain. The event supports Friends of Geode projects, gives a geode to every finisher, and awards handmade plaques to winners.

Trail races in Council Bluffs offering 50K, Half Marathon and 10K on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, limited to 200 runners. Courses are out-and-back on crushed limestone with aid stations, chip timing, and finisher medals.

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.

Experience the seasonal beauty of Clayton County at the Pony Hollow Trail 15K and 5K. Run through the historic Motor Mill park area and enjoy the autumn foliage on this established trail course.

An ultra-distance timed event at Gray's Lake in Des Moines with 6, 12 and 24 hour races on a USATF certified 1.905 mile loop. Results use an age and sex equalizer to determine overall awards.

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.

A November trail event in the Mines of Spain near Dubuque, IA, offering 25K and 50K courses with three aid stations and roughly 2200 or 4400 feet of elevation gain. The routes run on single-track and prairie trails with river and monument v..

A Backyard Ultra in Delmar IA on November 13, 2026 where runners complete a 4.16 mile loop each hour until one remains. Participants receive a 10x10 foot camp space, may bring 1 to 3 crew members, and registration is capped at 250.

A six hour trail endurance run in Pinicon Ridge Park near Central City IA, held on a 1.2 mile loop with two large climbs. Course direction changes periodically and awards recognize runners completing 24 or more loops.

A charity running event in Des Moines with a chip timed 5K and a 1 Mile Fun Run on November 14, 2026. Proceeds benefit Marys Helping Hands and packet pickup is available at local locations.

On November 21, 2026 the Stuffed Turkey Endurance Races return to Jester Park in Granger, Iowa, offering 10 Mile, 50K, 50 Mile and 100 Mile trail events. The 50K, 50 Mile and 100 Mile are UTMB index races with cupless aid stations and pacer..

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.

The Hitchcock Experience is a multi-distance trail event at Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek, Iowa on December 5-6, 2026. Distances range from a half marathon up to a 100 mile race and entries follow a no refund no transfer policy.

The Friends of Yellow River State Forest Trail Run will take place in Harpers Ferry from Friday 7 May 2027 to Saturday 8 May 2027. You can run between 5 and 21 kilometers.

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.

A multi-distance trail race at Van Peenen Memorial Park in Decorah, IA, featuring single-track courses from 1 mile to 50K with substantial climbing, aid stations, and local fundraising for schools and trail groups.