Mines Of Spain Trail Races

Event overview

Mines of Spain Trail Races take place in Dubuque, IA at the EB Lyons Nature Center on August 8, 2026. The event offers the following distances:

• 4 miles
• 7 miles
• Half marathon

A free Mini-Mines kids race for ages 12 and under is held during Friday packet pickup; no pre-registration is required and on-site sign-in is requested. Registration opens March 6, 2026. Registration is online only.

Course, aid stations and amenities

The courses run on a mix of dirt single and double track, prairie grass trails and wider paths. Routes include rocky, technical sections, steep climbs and rolling hills, with bluff views of the Mississippi and passages through hardwood forest and prairie. Aid stations provide water, Tailwind Nutrition (Mandarin Orange flavor, mixed at 100 calories per 12 oz) and basic sweet/salty snacks. There are two manned aid stations and one unmanned station. The race is cup free; runners are strongly encouraged to carry a handheld bottle or hydration pack. The course closes at the four hour mark.

Logistics, policies and awards

Trolley shuttle service is available to reduce parking congestion, with pickup/dropoff at the old Econo Lodge Inn & Suites (2090 S Park Ct), about a five-minute drive from the start/finish. Parking at the start/finish is limited. Proceeds support Friends of the Mines of Spain; past donations exceed $20,000. Timing is by a professional chip service and event photography is provided. Distance switching, waitlist and deferral policies apply; the deferral deadline is Wednesday, July 15. Awards include top three overall male and female per distance and age-group awards (19 and Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, Masters 50+). Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.