🏃 Races in Iowa

Looking for a speedy half marathon? This USATF-certified course hugs the beautiful shoreline of Storm Lake with minimal elevation change, making it ideal for achieving your best time. You'll also find a scenic 5K loop finishing near King's Pointe beach and playground, plus the chance to experience Storm Lake's vibrant community with its incredible diversity of restaurants and shops. If you prefer teamwork, join the half marathon relay with either two or four runners per team—you'll coordinate your own handoff points (with Lake Pointe Villa as a midway reference) and split the distance however works best for your group.

Lace up for this beloved community event that's back and better than ever! Whether you're training for distance, prefer a casual outing, or have young children eager to participate, there's a perfect option for everyone—choose from the classic 4.5-mile route to Teeds Grove, a manageable 2-mile alternative, or a kids' dash. The event features age group awards across eight categories, so bring your family and enjoy a fun day of running together in Andover.

Join this West Des Moines 5k where you'll start your morning with shirt pickup and registration at 9:00am, followed by a brief explanation about the event's mission at 9:45am before the 10:00am run begins. Whether you prefer to run, walk, jog, or "wog," you can participate for $35 (adults), $20 (kids 12 and under), or $5 (dogs), with prizes awarded starting at 10:15am. Head to rws.raceroster.com to sign up by August 21st to secure your event shirt.

Head to Neola, IA on Sunday, September 6th for a fun 5k and 1-mile kids' race that kicks off and finishes at the Hall Sports Complex—all part of the town's 80th Hoo Doo Days celebration. You'll have the chance to compete for prizes in Men's, Women's, Senior, and Kids divisions, and every participant will receive a special commemorative medal celebrating this year's "Back to our Roots" theme. Whether you're looking to run or walk, this community event is a great way to get moving and join in the local festivities!

Get ready to lend your support at this meaningful 5K and 1-mile fun run/walk in Sheldon, IA, where every participant helps make a direct impact on the Francis family. All proceeds benefit Cohen Francis, a young boy facing Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, with funds going toward medical expenses and family needs during his treatment. Whether you choose to run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, you'll be part of a community coming together to support Cohen as he heads into first grade at East Elementary.

Get ready to hit the flat, scenic Missouri River Trail in Sioux City for an event that welcomes runners of all levels—from kids to marathoners—with multiple distance options including a 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon, and even a fun "STOOGE" Challenge. You'll start and finish at the Siouxland Expo Center with shaded, smooth paths perfect for racing fast, plus this year brings exciting prize money to the table for the first time. Every dollar raised goes toward the H.A.R.T. Program, which helps athletes of all ages and abilities get the training and support they need.

Get ready to celebrate our furry friends at this beloved community event in Sioux City, where the Siouxland Humane Society is hosting their 24th annual gathering from 10am-1pm at Riverside Park! You'll enjoy delicious food, shop with local vendors, meet adorable pets available for adoption, and join in a fun pet walk where you can earn prizes while fundraising for a great cause. Whether you're bringing your own pet or just love animals, this family-friendly celebration is the perfect way to spend your morning supporting the community!

Join us in Des Moines for an awesome trio of distances—5K, 10K, and half marathon—where you'll experience a laid-back yet well-organized race day perfect for runners and walkers of all levels. Whether you're gunning for a personal record, hunting for a cool themed medal, or just looking to have fun with fellow running enthusiasts, you'll find a supportive community, a clearly marked course, and helpful volunteers cheering you on. Lace up those running shoes (or walking shoes!) and come celebrate with us—we promise a friendly, low-pressure atmosphere with all the official race perks you'd expect!

Get ready to run or walk for a meaningful cause! This event honors Stephen Siller, a brave FDNY firefighter who gave his life on September 11, 2001, and celebrates all first responders and military members who serve with dedication. Join us in Ankeny for the 8th year of this community favorite as we support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation's mission to remember those we've lost and support the heroes among us.

Join this community celebration dedicated to bringing reading to life in Mason City! You can choose your adventure: lace up for the chip-timed 5k run/walk starting at the Historic Band Shell in East Park (which winds along the scenic Winnebago before heading through town), participate virtually from anywhere, or stroll the family-friendly 1-mile Literacy Quest featuring fun stations inspired by beloved children's books. Stick around after to grab food from The LaHa Sisters food truck and enjoy the festive atmosphere!

Get ready for a fun morning in Fayette on September 12th at the 18th annual Watermelon Days 5K Run/Walk, starting at the corner of Main and Water Streets! You'll cruise through scenic roads and onto a paved trail heading out to Big Rock Golf Course before finishing back downtown on Main Street, with awards and raffle prizes waiting at the finish line. Sign up by August 21st to snag a guaranteed t-shirt ($20 registration, or $30 on race day), then stick around for Belgian waffles at the Methodist Church, the 11 AM parade, and family-friendly activities all day long—all supporting the Fayette Ambulance Service!

Get ready for a fantastic running weekend in scenic Shenandoah, Iowa, where you'll experience one of the Midwest's most beautiful and runner-friendly trail courses along the legendary Wabash Trace Nature Trail. This crushed limestone path takes you through peaceful countryside, farmland, and shaded woods on a smooth, fast surface that's perfect whether you're gunning for a Boston qualifier, training for your next goal race, or simply want to run somewhere gorgeous. With marathon and half marathon options available, there's something for every runner and the whole community to enjoy!

Get ready to explore the scenic beauty around Easter Lake in Southeast Des Moines on what's become one of the city's most beloved running traditions! You can tackle either the full 10-mile challenge or the 4-mile option, both hosted by Capital Striders as they celebrate their impressive 44th year in 2026. As proud members of the Road Runners Club of America, these local running enthusiasts are dedicated to building community through running for everyone, no matter your age or competitive level.

Get ready to lace up for the MVRA Benefit Classic, a fantastic running event taking place in beautiful Dubuque, Iowa! Come join fellow runners for a great cause and an awesome day of racing.

Get ready to test your endurance at this exciting sprint-distance event happening in Waterloo this September! You'll kick things off with a 500-meter swim, pedal through 16.5 miles of biking, and finish strong with a 5K run—all starting at 9am on Sunday the 13th at beautiful George Wyth State Park. Mark your calendar and bring your A-game to this awesome tri challenge!

Get ready to paddle and pound the pavement at this exciting 2026 biathlon combo—kayak 2 miles through the water, then trail run 3.5 miles through central Iowa's stunning new park near Colfax (just a quick 20 minutes from Des Moines). Whether you're a jack-of-all-trades or want to team up with a buddy to split the events, we've got you covered—we can even help match you with a partner! Lock in early bird pricing ($45 solo/$35 team member through August 31st) and join us for an awesome season of training, motivation, and celebration all the way to that finish line.

Get ready to explore the beautiful shores of Saylorville Lake at Jester Park with your choice of standard 5K and 10K distances or try the brand-new 2026 enduro challenge where you'll tackle a 3.1-mile loop as many times as you can in 10 hours (and yes, there are buffalo to wave at!). You'll enjoy well-marked trails across gravel, dirt, and grass surfaces with solid course support, basic timing, a custom bib, and a rotating race reward like a BUFF, socks, or water bottle—all without breaking the bank. Sign up for the whole Iowa Trail Run Series to snag an exclusive series gift, plus customize your race experience with a soft tri-blend shirt featuring cool animal icons!

Get ready to make a difference on Sunday, September 13, 2026, when we host a 9.88-mile run, walk, or bike event in Spencer, IA that honors National Suicide Prevention Week while supporting a local family affected by suicide loss. This meaningful gathering aims to raise vital funds for the community and spark important conversations—especially among men—about mental health and checking in on one another. Whether you run, walk, or ride the route from Spencer to Fostoria and back, you'll be taking part in something that matters: spreading the message that it's okay to talk, and that the number 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) is worth knowing.

Join us in Des Moines for a fun-filled morning that brings the whole family together—featuring a 5K walk or run, a half-mile kids' race, plus coffee, food, face painting, and lots more! We're raising funds to support Walk With You, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families navigate the loss of a child, so your participation makes a real difference. Everyone 5 and up should register for the 5K (kids 4 and under join free—just register them so we can plan activities accordingly).

Lace up on Saturday, September 19th at Credit Island Park in Davenport for this beloved annual 5K that's ideal whether you're chasing your first finish line or gunning for a personal record on its speedy, flat course. Your entry fee goes straight to World Relief, an amazing organization supporting refugees and immigrants across Western Illinois and Eastern Iowa by providing financial, emotional, cultural, and spiritual assistance to those who've fled war and persecution. Since 1999, World Relief Quad Cities has helped over 3,000 refugees and immigrants build new lives in our community!

Lace up your shoes and head to Mitchellville to celebrate this beloved community tradition that keeps George Ballard's memory alive through Thomas Mitchell Days! You'll navigate a scenic route through town streets with a few rolling hills, choosing between the 5K run or 2 mile walk based on what works for you. Stick around for awards—the top three finishers in each category get recognized for their efforts!

Get ready for an incredible team adventure on September 19th in Winterset, IA, where you'll tackle fun challenges and explore your community while racing against the clock! This Amazing Race-themed experience honors Taylor Ham-Aleman's memory and supports the Run As One For Taylor 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which celebrates her legacy of kindness and compassion. Join us for a day of excitement and unforgettable moments while making a meaningful difference!

Head to downtown Boone on September 19th to celebrate Pufferbilly Days' exciting 50th anniversary with a fun 5K or 10K run/walk starting at 7:30 a.m.—just make sure you cross the finish line by 9:00 a.m. so you can catch the parade! Bring the whole crew to enjoy live music, family activities, delicious food, and so much more throughout the day, and remember that $5 from every registration goes toward Lowell Park renovations (don't forget to select age-based pricing if you're registering runners 17 and under!).

Get ready to paddle with your crew in Davenport as you celebrate survivors and honor those affected by cancer while coming together as a community! Whether you're joining with friends, family, coworkers, or classmates, dragon boating is a fun, accessible activity where everyone paddles toward the same goal on the beautiful water. Every dollar raised supports Gilda's Club Quad Cities' free programs and services right here in the Quad City area.

Join us in Bettendorf, IA for a fun-filled day of running with three distance options—5K, 10K, and 13.1 miles—designed for everyone from competitive racers to casual walkers who just want to enjoy the experience. Whether you're hunting for a personal record, building your medal collection, or simply looking to get outside with fellow running enthusiasts, you'll find a welcoming community with well-marked courses, supportive staff, and that perfect blend of friendly atmosphere with just enough competitive spirit to keep things interesting. Come as you are—shoes laced tight or walking shoes ready—because we're thrilled to have you at the starting line!

Lace up for Burlington's beloved community celebration on Saturday, September 19, 2026, where you'll join hundreds of runners for the 30th year of this fantastic event that brings folks together for a great cause—every dollar raised goes straight to local parks and recreation. Whether you're tackling the 10k, cruising the 5k, or joining the fun run, there's a perfect option for every fitness level, plus you'll get the rare chance to experience stunning views of the Mississippi River from the Great River Bridge, which is normally closed to foot traffic. Professional timing by Nonstop Race Management ensures your effort is captured and celebrated!

Head to Fillmore Golf Course in Cascade for a fun 3.1-mile run that takes place the Saturday after the high school cross country meet—a course many local runners might recognize from their own racing days! This autumn event is the perfect excuse to enjoy the beautiful Dubuque County season while supporting a great cause, as all your entry fee goes directly to Dubuque County Conservation for their trail and land stewardship work. You'll enjoy chip timing by Kauder Racing, a water station at the midway point, and finish line refreshments including water, bananas, and chocolate milk!

Lace up for a nighttime 5k adventure at the Cherokee Country Club where you can run or walk at your own pace under the lights! Park at the high school and head behind the building to access the course, where you'll find the starting line positioned right in front of the pool behind the clubhouse. It's a great way to get some evening exercise with your running community!

Join the 19-year tradition of this friendly 5K walk/run in Storm Lake, where you'll start and finish at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center while enjoying scenic views of the gorgeous lake along the way. Your participation supports cancer patients receiving treatment at BVRMC, and you can also make additional donations right when you sign up online. Bring the whole family—little ones in strollers don't need to register, just stick to walking or running (no wheels, skates, or furry friends on the course, please!).

Get ready to challenge yourself on the beautiful trails of Arrowhead Park near Neola, Iowa on Saturday, September 19th, 2026! This fun-filled event features a 5k run with 15+ optional obstacles (plus a 1-mile kids' course with 10+ obstacles), and you can tackle as many challenges as you want or simply enjoy a scenic trail run—no mud pits required! All proceeds support the Pottawattamie County Trails Association, so you'll be helping a great cause while having a blast starting at 10:30 AM.

Get ready to explore the stunning Driftless region at Yellow River State Forest in Harpers Ferry with three trail distance options—half marathon, 10K, and 5K—that welcome runners of all levels to tackle diverse terrain and gorgeous valley vistas. This Iowa Trail Run Series keeps things wallet-friendly while delivering quality perks like well-marked courses, race support, custom bibs, rotating race swag (think BUFFs, socks, hats, mugs, and water bottles), and basic timing. Sign up for the whole series to snag an exclusive series gift, plus you can score a super comfy tri-blend shirt with custom animal icons if you'd like!

Get ready to make a real difference in your community! This fourth annual gathering brings together runners and walkers in Des Moines to support Iowans battling prostate cancer, with every dollar raised staying right at home to help local men and families. Since the very first event, the organizers have given back nearly $270,000 to the Iowa prostate cancer community, and with your participation, they can do even more—welcome to Team Blue Iowa!

Get your Oktemberfest celebration started strong by joining runners, walkers, and joggers of all levels for this beloved community 5K through historic downtown Marshalltown on Saturday, September 26th! You'll enjoy a crisp fall morning while covering 3.1 miles past local landmarks and the Marshall County Courthouse Square, finishing with plenty of time to grab a great viewing spot for the iconic Oktemberfest Grand Parade. Whether you're going for a personal record or just enjoying a casual stroll with loved ones, this is the perfect way to kick off your festive day!

Join a team of 2-12 athletes for this half triathlon relay in Solon, IA, where you'll swim 0.3 miles, bike 14 miles, and run 3.28 miles across four relay legs while supporting Lewy Body Dementia awareness. The flexible format lets your team divide the course however works best for everyone's abilities, and accommodations like kayaking and e-bikes ensure runners of all levels can participate together. Get your crew of friends, family, coworkers, or community members ready to make a difference!

Get ready to run through the heart of Centerville during the 77th Annual Pancake Day celebration—sign up online by Friday, September 25th at 5pm to lock in the best registration rate, or grab a last-minute spot on race morning until 7:45am (just note the rate jumps to $30 day-of). Your adventure starts and finishes on the north side of the town square, taking you past beloved local landmarks before leading you straight to free pancakes and family fun! Top finishers in both the 5k and 10k races earn Chamber Bucks prizes, so come ready to race and celebrate with your community.

Get ready to tackle a thrilling off-road obstacle course right here in Saint Charles that'll put your speed and agility to the test! What makes this race special is that it's locally run by folks who keep the funds right here in Iowa, and you'll actually have a say in designing some of the obstacles. Join the Breakfast Club and runners from across the Midwest for an exciting event that challenges everyone while supporting our community!

Get ready to run or walk on the scenic Heritage Trail in Dubuque—a gorgeous, nearly flat path built on an old railroad bed that hugs the Little Maquoketa River with beautiful tree coverage and limestone bluffs as your backdrop! You can choose between a 5K or 5-mile timed event, and here's the best part: your participation directly supports St. Vincent DePaul's critical work in our community, including over $115,000 in rental assistance and $28,000 in utility help to families in need over the past year. Registration kicks off at 9:00 AM at Heritage Pond on Rupp Hollow Road at Highway 3.

Get ready for the ultimate comeback celebration in Des Moines—this high-energy race is back and better than ever with pumping music, enthusiastic crowds, and cold beers waiting at the finish line. Pick your perfect challenge from a speedy 5K, a more demanding 10K, or the hilarious Beer Mile, all designed for runners of every level to chase their goals while having an absolute blast. Throw on a costume, embrace the friendly vibes, and prepare for an unforgettable day of running, high-fives, and pure fun!

Lace up for a scenic 13.1-mile loop through Iowa's stunning River's Edge Trail, starting and finishing at Memorial Park in charming Eldora, with the route taking you all the way to Steamboat Rock and back through picturesque Pine Lake State Park on smooth pavement. You'll experience genuine small-town hospitality throughout the race, with plenty of cheering spots for your supporters and gorgeous scenery at every turn, plus a delicious post-race pancake and sausage breakfast awaits you at the finish line. Best of all, race proceeds support the continued development of the River's Edge Trail!

Join us for a laid-back 3-mile trek (or choose the 1-mile option!) around the scenic Hickory Grove Lake in Colo, IA, where you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure. We're gathering together to support the fight against K9 cancer, honoring our sweet Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Remy, who lost his battle with bone cancer. All proceeds benefit Chase Away K9 Cancer, so lace up your sneakers knowing you're making a real difference for our four-legged pals!

Join us for a scenic 5K run/walk through Eldora that follows the town's bike trail on an out-and-back course, kicking off at 8:15 am alongside our half marathon event. Register online by September 7th to secure your race shirt, or sign up through 7:30 am race morning—packet pickup happens Friday evening or Saturday morning before the start. Your $30 registration (or $20 without a shirt) includes a warm breakfast, and while extra shirts are available on a first-come, first-served basis, the race directors are happy to help if you have questions!

Lace up for a speedy 1-mile run through the heart of Mount Pleasant! You'll start at the intersection of Main and Harlan, finishing right at the Mt Pleasant Square, all on Main Street. Head to the East side of the square near Main and Monroe to check in—registration opens at 8:30am on September 26th, 2026.

Lace up in Hiawatha, Iowa on September 26th for a heartfelt 5K run or walk that honors those we've lost to suicide, including Jeff Vipond, while celebrating mental health awareness and community connection. This meaningful event welcomes runners and walkers of every age and ability—whether you're going solo or bringing a team—and even offers a virtual option so you can participate from anywhere. Together, we're creating a day of remembrance, hope, and support that makes a real difference in our community.

Get ready to pound the pavement in Ankeny and support a great cause—the DMACC Foundation! Everyone's invited to tackle this officially certified 5K course, and you'll score awesome perks like a dri-fit Brooks shirt, medal, breakfast goodies, and a registrant bag (grab yours early to guarantee all items). Bring the whole crew—strollers and four-legged friends on leashes are totally welcome!

Get ready to celebrate community running at this family-friendly Des Moines event featuring half marathon, 10k, 5k, and 1-mile options—plus a kids' dash! Every participant earns awesome perks like a custom designer shirt, personalized medal, chip timing with live results, paced groups for the half marathon, and complimentary finish line photos. Best part? Kids 12 and under tackle the 5k for just $17, and everyone gets to enjoy delicious treats and plenty of fun at the finish!

Join us for a meaningful morning dedicated to honoring the brave service members we've lost to combat and service-related illnesses. Your registration gets you a commemorative shirt, finisher's medal, and a delicious brunch to wrap up the event.

Join us on September 27, 2026, for a fun 5k run right here in Ames that supports LSI, an awesome local nonprofit dedicated to helping kids and families in our community! This Iowa State University homecoming race is a great way to celebrate, stay active, and give back all at the same time. Got questions? Reach out to hcc.commservice@gmail.com—we'd love to see you there!