Iowa is an amazing state because where else in America can you see such a contradictory combination of rural life and modern technology? To fully feel the spirit of this place, you need to travel through the vast expanses of Iowa by car or attend Iowa races.
The picturesque surroundings, expanses of the “father of the waters” Mississippi, endless fields of corn, and hospitable cities will long remain in the memory of everyone who has spent at least a few days in this state.
5k Races in Iowa
1. Lincolnway 5K
Aug 26, 2022 – Friday
5K, 1M run | kids run
Virtual Option
Wheatland, IA
The Lincolnway 5K will be held on August 26, 2022, and is a fast and flat route. This course is perfect for runners, joggers, and walkers! All proceeds will benefit “Lincoln way Trail”, a trail that will connect Calamus and Wheatland Communities by using a section of the Historic Lincoln Highway.
It will be a chip-timed event with immediate results sent to the phone.
2. John Deere Waterloo 5K
Aug 27, 2022 – Saturday
5K run | kids run
Waterloo, IA
The 22nd Annual John Deere Waterloo 5K will be held on August 27, 2022. It will be its fifth year at the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum, where you can run with coworkers and community members of the Cedar Valley. The course is a flat, closed-to-traffic loop great for experienced runners and beginners.
The kids’ run starts at 7:30 am, and 5K starts at 8:00 am. After the run, there will be children’s activities, breakfast, and awards!
3. Prairiefest Viking 5K/10K Challenge
Aug 27, 2022 – Saturday
10K, 5K, 1.3M run
Huxley, IA
The Prairiefest Viking 5K/10K Challenge will be held on August 27, 2022. Come and celebrate Huxley with the 5K/10K Viking Challenge Race as part of the PrairieFest celebrations.
The 5k and 10k courses start at Railroad Park, going down the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail and around Huxley. The 5K is completely paved, and the 10K is mostly paved.
4. Noah’s Ark Daycare 5K Cheetah Chase
Sep 3, 2022 – Saturday
5K run
Sutherland, IA
The Noah’s Ark Daycare 5K Cheetah Chase will be held on September 3, 2022. Join a great Iowa run with a noble purpose. All proceeds will benefit the general operating needs and equipment necessary for Noah’s Ark Daycare Center.
The race is chip-timed, and results will be provided for the 5K race immediately.
5. Des Moines Turkey Trot
Nov 24, 2022 – Thursday
5M, 5K run | kids run
Virtual Option
Des Moines, IA
The Des Moines Turkey Trot will be held on November 24, 2022, and is one of the best Turkey Trots in the country and the “Top Trot” Iowa race by Runner’s World Magazine 5 years in a row. It is Iowa’s largest Thanksgiving Day tradition.
You can join the 5K, 5 Mile, and Tot Trot runs in Des Moines downtown or ‘virtually anywhere.’
10k Races in Iowa
6. NewBo Run
Sep 4, 2022 – Sunday
13.1M, 10K run
Cedar Rapids, IA
The NewBo Run will be held on September 4, 2022. It is a Labor Day Weekend tradition. The NewBo Run 10K features Prairie Park Fishery, the Sac and Fox Trail, and the Indian Creek Nature Center.
The 10K starts and finishes in the NewBo City Market, located in the NewBo district of Cedar Rapids. The race partners and sponsors support the race with fresh-baked treats, locally-brewed beer, Tri-Blend shirts, custom finisher medals, and age group awards for the 10k runners.
7. Scott Sterrett Memorial Race Weekend
Sep 10, 2022 – Saturday
13.1M, 10K, 5K run
Cedar Falls, IA
The 4th annual Scott Sterrett Memorial Race Weekend will be held on September 10, 2022. The race was founded to honor the memory of Scott Sterrett and the 21st anniversary of 9/11.
The run starts near downtown Cedar Falls and goes through some of the most scenic sights in the Cedar Valley. The challenging 10K course is sure to please.
The proceeds will benefit the Cedar Falls Police Protective Agency (CFPPA).
8. Great River Bridge Race
Sep 17, 2022 – Saturday
10K, 5K, 1M run
Burlington, IA
The Great River Bridge Race will be held on September 17, 2022. and it is more than just a run; everyone can experience something special. You will be one of the few to cross the Great River Bridge, which is usually closed to pedestrian traffic.
It is one of Burlington’s best events, bringing the community together. Proceeds will benefit Burlington Parks and Recreation. This race is timed by J3 Timing.
There will be a post-race party with music, games, and more.
Iowa Half Marathons
9. Step Up Storm Lake
Sep 3, 2022 – Saturday
13.1M, 5K run | 13.1M relay
Storm Lake, IA
The Step Up Storm Lake will be held on September 3, 2022, and it is a USATF-CERTIFIED course along scenic Storm Lake. The distance is flat and fast with little elevation. It is ideal for a certification run.
The course is a loop that circles back and finishes just beyond King’s Pointe beach and playground.
This event is a charity run. All proceeds will go to the Rettland Foundation – a nonprofit that supports families of children with Rett Syndrome.
10. Wabash Trace Marathon
Sep 10, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M trail run | 26.2M relay
Shenandoah, IA
The 11th annual Wabash Trace Marathon will be held on September 10, 2022, and is a Boston Marathon Qualifier. It is an out-and-back USA Track & Field Certified Course. The Half Marathon is a point-to-point course.
The Wabash Trace Nature Trail Half Marathon starts in Imogene at St. Patrick’s Church at 8:30 a.m. It will go a mile north of town before heading south on the trail to Shenandoah and follow the same route to the end as the marathon run.
11. Dubuque Benefit Classic
Sep 17, 2022 – Saturday
13.1M, 5K run
Dubuque, IA
The 44th Annual Dubuque Benefit Classic Half Marathon and 5K will be held on September 17, 2022. The run starts and finishes at the Mystique Community Ice Center.
It is a hill run, but the race will go up into Eagle Point Park from the front entrance at mile 3, then it’s all flat. On the course, you will see some picturesque Dubuque areas like Eagle Point Park and the Bee Branch Creek Greenway.
Marathons in Iowa
12. Mighty Mo Run
Sep 16, 2022 – Friday
5K run
Sep 17, 2022 – Saturday
10K run
Sep 18, 2022 – Sunday
26.2M, 13.1M run
Sioux City, IA
The Mighty Mo Run will be held on September 16-18, 2022. The course starts and finishes at the Siouxland Expo Center and continues on the Missouri River Trail next to it.
Proceeds will benefit the efforts of the H.A.R.T. Foundation, helping Athlete’s Run & Train.
The Half and Full Marathon are certified courses. The Mighty Mo Health & Wellness Expo in the Sioux City Expo Center will serve as packet pickup for all races. It is considered one of the best Marathons in Sioux City, Iowa.
13. IronHorse Races
May 6, 2023 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M, 5K run
Riceville, IA
The IronHorse Races will be held on May 6, 2023, and include a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K Run. All runs are USATF-Certificated.
The Full Marathon starts at the Wapsi-Great Western Line (WGWL) Trail located in Riceville, Iowa, and the Shooting Star Trail in Minnesota.
Full and Half runners will see winding woodlands and railroad grades on a paved trail from point to point. Full marathoners will also run a four-mile section on crushed rock.
