Iowa
Iowa Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in Iowa for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 52 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in Iowa below and join the trail community at these great events!
September 2026
Trail running event in Palo, IA on September 12, 2026 offering 45K, 30K and 15K on a clockwise course.
Trail running festival in Shenandoah, Iowa, along the Wabash Trace Nature Trail with marathon, half, 10K, 5K and a free kids run.
Trail race at Pilot Knob State Park in Forest City, IA, offering 5K and 10K distances with overall and age-group awards. Registration takes place at the park Stone Shelter and refreshments follow the race.
Experience the Iowa Trail Run Series at Jester Park featuring 5K, 10K, and 10 hour enduro options. Run along the shores of Saylorville Lake past buffalo enclosures on a mix of grass and dirt trails.
A Backyard Ultra at Pollmiller Lake Park in West Point, IA with repeating 4.167 mile loops run on an hourly schedule until one runner completes more loops than the others.
Trail obstacle event at Arrowhead Park near Neola, Iowa featuring a 5K with 15+ obstacles and a 1 mile kids course with 10+ obstacles; proceeds benefit a local trails association.
Trail run at Wapsi River Environmental Education Center with a self timed 5K and 1 mile course, proceeds benefit the Friends of the Wapsi Center.
Trail races of 3K and 6K at Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve with prairie and woodland terrain, post race snacks, awards by age category, and proceeds supporting local conservation.
Experience the unique terrain of the driftless region at Yellow River State Forest. Choose from 5K 10K or half marathon distances and enjoy post race food games and sponsor giveaways.
A community 5k at Reclaimed Rails Brewing Company in Bondurant Iowa on September 20 2026 where participants can run walk or jog the course and finish with a celebration at the brewery.
An off road 5 Miles obstacle course in Saint Charles, Iowa on September 26, 2026, hosted by Contributors Breakfast Club; the local fundraiser keeps proceeds in Iowa and lets participants help design several obstacles.
A backyard ultra at Lake Ahquabi where runners complete repeating 4.167 mile laps every hour until one runner completes one more lap than the rest.
Trail race at George Wyth State Park near Waterloo IA with 13K single loop and 25K two loops on runnable dirt single track.
An obstacle mud run at Camp Sacajawea on September 26 with one mile and three mile courses, waiver required, proceeds benefit Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa.
A non timed 1 mile and 3 mile walk and run around Hickory Grove Lake at Snow Bunting Lodge. The event raises funds for Chase Away K9 Cancer in memory of a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog named Remy and welcomes pets.
October 2026
Multi day event in Harpers Ferry, Iowa combining trail running, fly fishing and craft beer while directing funds to local fish habitat restoration.
Trail running in Peosta, IA on October 3, 2026 offering 5.2 mile, 25K and 50K loop races with camping, showers and shuttle service.
Timed community 5K and a Kids Dash at the Iowa Arboretum, varied terrain, food vendors, and a local scholarship component.
An orienteering event at Waubonsie Park on October 3, 2026, covering 5 miles with map-based navigation, solo and team divisions, and a four hour cutoff.
A 5 mile trail run, hike, or ruck through the Loess Hills at Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center in Sioux City, with a kids 1k for ages 12 and under.