Living History Farms Race

Living History Farms Race

The Living History Farms Race is a five mile off road event held at Living History Farms in Urbandale on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The course begins and ends in the 1876 town of Walnut Hill and runs through the museum's three historic farm sites. Runners pass woodland trails, fields and stream crossings and can expect to see farm animals such as horses, cows, sheep and pigs along the route.

All finishers receive a commemorative race shirt and a cowbell medal that celebrate America 250. A free Kids' Run takes place the same day; advance registration is requested. Packet pick up is scheduled on the days before the race at Fleet Feet Des Moines and at Living History Farms.

Entry fees vary by registration period: State Fair Special (August 1–23) $54, Early Bird (August 24–September 30) $60, and regular registration (October 1–November 6) $66, plus processing fees. Participants must be at least 14 years old to register.

Awards are given to the top male and female overall, top male and female in each age division, and for costume contest winners. Costume contest categories include Best Individual, Best Group, and Best Patriotic/U.S. Semiquincentennial. Age divisions start at 14-19 and continue by decade up to 80 and older. A course map is available and participants not at the halfway point within one hour may be asked to use the sag wagon. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.