Iowa
Iowa Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in Iowa for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 49 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in Iowa below and join the trail community at these great events!
November 2026
A 3 mile run and walk on the all terrain South Shore Walking Trail at Lake Panorama, starting behind Panorama Elementary School with tiered registration fees.
Get Roasted Turkey Trot 5K and kids dash in Waverly, Iowa on November 26, 2026. Timed 5K, event swag and awards, with proceeds to The Exchange Club of Waverly.
December 2026
Sycamore 8 is a December trail race in Johnston, Iowa, that follows the Sycamore Trail along the Des Moines River. The route offers rolling single track, river views, variable winter conditions, and a field capped at 300 participants.
A multi-distance trail event at Hitchcock Nature Center offering 100 mile, 101K, 50 mile and half marathon loops with three staffed aid stations per full loop. Proceeds support Hitchcock Nature Center and the local trail system.
March 2027
Experience the rocky trails and scenic valley views of Iowa’s Driftless Area with a 5 km technical trail run or a 10 km gravel path race at the Motor Mill Historic Site.
May 2027
A 24 hour timed track event in Davenport, IA with a 60 runner field, lap counters, awards for overall winners and runners over 100 km, and proceeds to children's programs.
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.
June 2027
A semi self supported 200 mile point to point race in Iowa, mostly on paved trails closed to motor vehicles. The course runs from Marshalltown to Jefferson, offers seven aid and sleep stations, and features live GPS tracking.
Trail race in Decorah, IA on single-track trails at Van Peenen Memorial Park, offering distances from 1 mile to 50K with aid stations and local fundraising proceeds.
July 2027
A chip timed 5k run and walk at Ditmars Orchard with a two lap cross country course, race swag, age group awards, and a local charity partner.
A half marathon, 10K and 5K on the Wabash Trace Trail in Council Bluffs on July 3, 2027, offering chip timing, race shirts, medals and a virtual option.
August 2027
A 12 hour backyard ultra in Bussey, Iowa, where runners complete 4.167 mile loops every hour on a grass and gravel trail course.