Deer Dash Trail Races - Hawarden, IA

Deer Dash Trail Races - Hawarden, IA

The Deer Dash Trail Races take place at Oak Grove Park, a 433-acre county park along the Big Sioux River in Western Sioux County, Iowa. The event is part of a trail race series and lists three race distances: a short, a mid, and a longer trail option.

• 3.5 miles
• 7.5 miles
• approximately 12 to 12.5 miles

Courses run predominantly on single-track mountain bike and hiking trails with twists, turns, and elevation changes through wooded hills and prairie. Runners start near Oak Grove Lodge, the 3.5- and 7.5-mile courses split about one mile in and the 7.5-mile course rejoins the shorter loop at about five miles. The longer course includes newly acquired park land and has not been fully mapped; organizers aim for close to 12.5 miles. All distances finish back at the Lodge where post-race refreshments are provided.

Park entrance and parking are free. Oak Grove Park offers overnight camping, cabins, and modern restrooms with showers. Chip timing is provided by 605 Running Company. Headphones are permitted but runners must remain aware of surroundings on narrow, technical trails. Pets are not allowed in the Trail Race Series. There are no refunds or credits for entries. The series uses point scoring by division, with 10 points for first place down to 1 point for tenth, and age divisions include 29 and under, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60+. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.