5K Races in Iowa
Iowa has 86 upcoming 5K races scheduled for 2026. The calendar runs year-round — busiest in August through October, quietest in January, February, and July. No single city dominates the calendar. Des Moines leads with 17 races, followed by Bettendorf (10), Ankeny (3), and Oxford (2). The remaining 63% of the calendar is spread across smaller cities.
5K races by month in Iowa
Aug (24) · Sep (22) · Oct (17) · Nov (10) · May (4) · Dec (4) · Apr (2) · Jan (1) · Feb (1) · Jul (1)
Showing 24 of 86
Running
Color Blaze 5k Run/Walk
Le Claire, IA
Running
Color Blaze 5k Run/Walk
August 1, 2026
Le Claire, IA
Running
Ninja 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Bettendorf, IA (33)
Bettendorf, IA
Running
Ninja 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Bettendorf, IA (33)
August 15, 2026
Bettendorf, IA
Top Cities for 5K Races in Iowa
Frequently asked questions
How long is a 5K race?▾
A 5K is 3.1 miles (5 kilometers). It is the most popular race distance in the US and a great starting point for new runners. RACE lists thousands of 5K events across all 50 states.
What is a good 5K time for beginners?▾
A good beginner 5K time is 30-35 minutes. Many first-time runners aim to complete the distance without stopping. The average US 5K finish time is around 28 minutes.
How do I find a 5K near me?▾
Use the RACE search bar to enter your zip code or state and filter by distance. You can also browse by month to find races that fit your schedule. Turkey Trots in November and charity 5Ks are especially popular.
How long does it take to train for a 5K?▾
Most couch-to-5K programs are 6-8 weeks long with 3 runs per week. If you can already jog for 10-15 minutes, you could be ready in 4-6 weeks with consistent training.