Iowa
Iowa Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in Iowa for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 46 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 weekend event combining trail running, catch and release fly fishing, and local craft beer in Yellow River State Forest, with proceeds supporting habitat restoration.
Trail races at Swiss Valley Nature Preserve in Peosta IA offering 5.2 mile, 25K and 50K options on a hilly loop with camping and shuttles.
Professionally timed 5K plus a kids dash at The Iowa Arboretum with mixed terrain, food vendors, family options, and age based prizes.
Orienteering race at Waubonsie Park on October 3, 2026 with a 5 Mile map based run or hike; fee includes shirt, medal, drinks and snacks.
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.
A 5 mile or 5K trail run at Lime Creek Nature Center with chip timing, prairie and wooded trails, awards, and a $20 sponsor gift card for every entry.
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 run and walk at the Iowa Arboretum that welcomes dogs, includes packet pickup and T-shirts for preregistered entrants, and offers 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 community 5K at Dan-D Farms near Knoxville, Iowa on October 10, 2026, with tiered registration fees, a youth discount, and a shirt guarantee for early registrants.
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 at Geode State Park in Danville IA on Oct 17, 2026 offering 25K, 12K and 5K across varied trail terrain with awards and geodes for finishers.
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.
Timed endurance events at Gray's Lake Park offering 6, 12 and 24 hour races scored with an age and sex equalizer for overall awards.