Iowa
Iowa Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in Iowa for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 42 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in Iowa below and join the trail community at these great events!
October 2026
A 5K walk/run on October 4, 2026 at Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek raising funds for the conservation and preservation of the park.
A chip timed 5K in Keystone, Iowa on 10/10/2026 where participants wear flag belts and encounter costumed zombies who try to pull flags. Proceeds support Keystone First Responders and Benton Girl's Wrestling.
Trail run and walk at Backbone State Park on October 10, 2026 with two route choices: a 4 mile loop and a 10K lake loop. Day of registration is available and proceeds support Backbone State Park.
A community 5K at the Iowa Arboretum with packet pickup at the Cafferty Building, dog friendly rules and post event refreshments for people and pets.
Community run in Vinton on October 10 2026 with a 5K and a 1 mile option, hosted by the Vinton Noon Kiwanis Club to benefit Operation Backpack.
A themed 5K at Grimes Farm where runners try to keep flag belts while volunteers play zombies; proceeds support the farm trails.
A 5K run at Dan-D Farms near Knoxville, Iowa on October 10, 2026, with tiered registration fees and a shirt guarantee for entries before September 30.
A trail ultramarathon in the Mines of Spain Recreation Area near Dubuque with repeat ~20 mile loops for 100 mile and 100 kilometer distances and notable river views.
An in-person endurance event of twelve four mile legs run every four hours over 48 hours, with an optional two mile add-on for a 50 mile total.
Trail races of 5K, 12K and 25K at Geode State Park near Danville, IA, with marked courses, on-course aid, finisher geodes and awards including a Top Dog plaque.
Trail running in Council Bluffs on October 24, 2026 with 50K, half marathon and 10K on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail and a 200 runner field limit.
The 8th Annual Pony Hollow Trail 5K in Elkader on October 24, 2026 supports a trail expansion to link two trailheads into a continuous loop.
Trail races at Brown's Woods in West Des Moines offering 5K, 10K and 15K on single and double track dirt, with proceeds supporting local trail organizations.
An ultra-distance timed event at Gray's Lake in Des Moines with 6, 12 and 24 hour races on a USATF certified 1.905 mile loop. Results use an age and sex equalizer to determine overall awards.
November 2026
The Iowa Trail Run Series: Whiterock takes place November 7, 2026 at Whiterock Conservatory in Coon Rapids, Iowa. Offered distances include 5K, 10K, a half marathon and a new 30K option, with registration opening November 11, 2025.
A fall running event at Colony Acres in North Liberty featuring a 5K, a Maize Mile, and a combined 4 mile option with proceeds benefiting Let Me Run.
Trail endurance runs in the Mines of Spain near Dubuque, IA featuring a 25K out-and-back and a 50K double-loop with three aid stations.
An off road 5 mile race at Living History Farms in Urbandale with a course through historic farm sites, streams, fields and woodland trails.
4 mile trail run at Goeldner Woods on November 7, 2026, with individual and four person team options, rugged terrain and a postrace pull up time bonus.
Backyard Ultra in Delmar, IA on Nov 13, 2026: runners repeat a 4.16 mile loop hourly until one remains; field capped at 250, registration $200.