Groundhog Grind Trail Run
Mitchellville, United States • 25-8 Jan-Feb 2026
Groundhog Grind Trail Run
The Groundhog Grind Trail Run is scheduled for Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Thomas Mitchell Park, east of Altoona, Iowa. The event is presented by the Altoona Running Club and is the fifth running of this winter trail race. The start and race headquarters are located in the campground area of the park. Entry fees listed are $45 per event; prices increase after December 1, 2025. Virtual options are offered in addition to on-course races.
Event format and course
- 5K Trail Race - 1 loop
- 10K Trail Race - 2 loops
- 5K Virtual Trail Run
- 10K Virtual Trail Run
The course is a 5k loop marked with ribbons, cones, and directional arrows. The loop passes a red bridge, a scout camp area, DeVotie Hill and a nearby grave marker, a section called Groundhog Gulch, Bone Chiller Prairie, Thomas Mitchell Pond, and a Camp Creek loop. Runners must stay on the marked course; if a section is missed the competitor must return to the missed location or risk disqualification. The event uses chip timing provided by True Time Racing and course distances are measured by GPS, which may not be exact. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.