Iowa
Iowa Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in Iowa for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 36 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in Iowa below and join the trail community at these great events!
May 2027
Trail races at Yellow River State Forest on May 7–8, 2027 include 5K, 10K and half marathon options with timed results and age-group awards.
Fourth-year 24 hour challenge at George Wyth State Park where participants run ten 5k loops on the paved Cedar Valley Lakes Trail with meals and event support.
Two-day obstacle course event in Boone, IA with 5K and 6 mile routes, finisher items, awards, Sunday kids pricing and group perks.
June 2027
A semi self supported 200 mile trail event in Iowa on mostly paved, non repetitive trails with live GPS tracking and seven aid and sleep stations.
Trail races from a kids mile to a 50K on single-track trails at Van Peenen Memorial Park in Decorah, IA, with aid stations and awards.
July 2027
Family-friendly 5k at Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard on July 3, 2027 with timing by J3 Timing, T-shirt, finisher medal and a pour of wine.
A half marathon, 10K and 5K on the Wabash Trace Trail in Council Bluffs on July 3, 2027, with chip timing, shirts and medals.
Elveløpet in Decorah IA offers 5K and 15K races along the Upper Iowa River as part of the town's Nordic Fest on July 24, 2027.
August 2027
A backyard ultra in Bussey, IA with hourly 4.167 mile laps, a 12 hour cap, and a winner who completes one more lap than any other runner.
September 2027
A 4 hour or 8 hour trail endurance run at Cedar Bend Park near Waverly, IA, on an approximately 3.15 mile loop with a main aid station and crew access.
Trail runs of 15K, 30K and 45K at Pleasant Creek in Palo, IA on a 15K equestrian loop, with dirt and grass trails, awards, cash prizes and a post-race cookout.
Backyard Ultra in West Point, IA on September 18, 2027 featuring repeated 4.167 mile loops around Pollmiller Lake Park with camping and basic aid available.
October 2027
Backyard Ultra on October 2, 2027 in Waterloo IA with repeated 4.167 mile laps counted as yards, limited to 100 runners and results reported by yards completed.
Trail races at Swiss Valley Nature Preserve in Peosta, IA offering 5.2 mile loop options of 5.2 miles, 25K, and 50K with creek crossings and rugged climbs.
Two ultra distances on an approximately 20 mile trail loop through bluffs, prairies and hardwoods in Mines of Spain Recreation Area, Dubuque, Iowa.
An orienteering event at Waubonsie Park North near Hamburg IA featuring map navigation over about 5 miles, team and solo divisions, and an entry fee that includes a sweatshirt and medal.