Iowa
Iowa Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in Iowa for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 53 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
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 a 4.167 mile lap each hour until one runner completes one more lap than anyone else.
Trail race at George Wyth State Park near Waterloo, IA offering 13K and 25K runnable single track, limited aid stations, race photos, awards and finish line food.
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 races at Swiss Valley Nature Preserve in Peosta offering 50K, 25K and 5.2 mile looped courses with rugged terrain, camping, showers and shuttle service.
Navigate through Waubonsie Park using maps and instructions to find checkpoints in this final series race. Participants can compete solo or in teams for a self supported five mile orienteering challenge.
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 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 charity running event in Solon, Iowa featuring a timed 5K and a Monster Mile, with all proceeds to the Arthritis Foundation to support pediatric rheumatic disease awareness.
A 5K run and walk at the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens on October 10, 2026, with dog friendly participation, packet pickup, and post-race refreshments.
Looped 100-mile and 100K trail races around the Mines of Spain Recreation Area in Dubuque, IA, with varied terrain, scenic Mississippi River views, and significant elevation gain.
A 48 hour endurance event in Cedar Falls with repeated 4 mile legs, individual and team relay options, on course meals, participant sweatshirts and finisher medals.
Trail races in October at Geode State Park offering 5k, 12k and 25k options, aid stations, T-shirt with registration, dog friendly, and fundraising for concession renovations.
Yippee-Ki-Yay Races in Council Bluffs offer 50K, half marathon and 10K on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail with a 200 runner field limit.
Experience the seasonal beauty of Clayton County at the Pony Hollow Trail 15K and 5K. Run through the historic Motor Mill park area and enjoy the autumn foliage on this established trail course.
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.