RACE Logo

Trail Running in Iowa

Iowa has 14 upcoming trail-running races scheduled for 2026. No single city dominates the calendar. Waterloo leads with 2 races, followed by Ida Grove (2), Harpers Ferry (2), and Ames (1). The remaining 50% of the calendar is spread across smaller cities.

Showing all 14

Iowa Trail Run Series: A Midsummer Night's Run
Trail Running

Iowa Trail Run Series: A Midsummer Night's Run

June 13, 2026
Ames, IA

Trail Running

Iowa Trail Run Series: Sleepy Hollow

Des Moines, IA

Trail Running

Iowa Trail Run Series: Sleepy Hollow

June 27, 2026
Des Moines, IA

Trail Running

Chutes & Ladders Trail Run

Sioux City, IA

Trail Running

Chutes & Ladders Trail Run

June 27, 2026
Sioux City, IA
House of Hope Trail Blaze
Trail Running

House of Hope Trail Blaze

July 11, 2026
Waterloo, IA
Moorehead Park Trail Mazathon
Trail Running

Moorehead Park Trail Mazathon

August 1, 2026
Ida Grove, IA
Trail of the Dragon 50K/50mile Run
Trail Running

Trail of the Dragon 50K/50mile Run

August 1, 2026
Ida Grove, IA
Hickory Grove 5k Trail Run
Trail Running

Hickory Grove 5k Trail Run

August 8, 2026
Colo, IA
Iowa Trail Run Series: Jester Park
Trail Running

Iowa Trail Run Series: Jester Park

September 13, 2026
Granger, IA
Iowa Trail Run Series: Yellow River State Forest
Trail Running

Iowa Trail Run Series: Yellow River State Forest

September 20, 2026
Harpers Ferry, IA
River’s Edge Trail Half Marathon
Trail Running

River’s Edge Trail Half Marathon

September 26, 2026
Eldora, IA

Trail Running

Fast Track Trail Race

Waterloo, IA

Trail Running

Fast Track Trail Race

September 26, 2026
Waterloo, IA

Trail Running

Angry Cow Trail Run # 4 Vets Run

Shuibert, IA

Trail Running

Angry Cow Trail Run # 4 Vets Run

November 7, 2026
Shuibert, IA

Trail Running

Iowa Trail Run Series: Whiterock

Coon Rapids, IA

Trail Running

Iowa Trail Run Series: Whiterock

November 7, 2026
Coon Rapids, IA
Friends of Yellow River State Forest Trail Run
Trail Running

Friends of Yellow River State Forest Trail Run

May 7, 2027
Harpers Ferry, IA

Frequently asked questions

What is trail running?
Trail running takes place on unpaved surfaces like dirt paths, mountain trails, and forest roads. Distances range from 5K to 100+ miles. Trail running emphasizes scenery, elevation, and technical terrain over pace.
What shoes do I need for trail running?
Trail running shoes have aggressive lugs for traction, rock plates for protection, and a more durable outsole than road shoes. Popular brands include Hoka, Salomon, and Altra. Choose shoes based on your local terrain.
How is trail running different from road running?
Trail running involves more elevation change, uneven footing, and slower paces than road running. Expect to run 20-40% slower on trails compared to roads. The focus shifts from pace per mile to effort and time on feet.
What are the best trail running destinations in the US?
Colorado, California, Oregon, and Utah offer world-class trail running. Iconic areas include the Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest forests, and Appalachian trails. Browse trail events by state on RACE.