Clover Dash 5k
- Date
- July 19, 2026
- Distance
- 5k Run for 13+ · 5K Run for 12 and under · Virtual 5k
From the Organizer
The Polk County 4-H Clover Dash 5k was created in memory of former Polk 4-H County Youth Coordinator, Joy Niklasen, who tragically passed away in a car accident in September of 2014. Joy is best remembered for her energy and enthusiasm in doing so much to help 4-H’ers. She represented the Extension Office on the Polk County 4-H Advisory Board, planned different workshops, and helped coordinate the 4-H Annual County Awards Ceremony. Honoring Joy’s passion for healthy living, an annual 5k began in the Summer of 2015 thanks to the idea of 4-H’er, Rebecca Osthus, and efforts by sponsors, volunteers, staff, and 4-H’ers. In memory of Joy, all proceeds raised during the 5k go directly to Polk County 4-H’ers in the form of scholarships and grants.
Each year the 5k is planned and organized by a committee of County Council youth with the assistance of Polk County 4-H staff. If you are interested in supporting the 5k through volunteering, running, donating, or sponsoring visit our website or contact Megan Freel at meganmae@iastate.edu or 515-957-5763.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
86°
Typical Low
65°
Chance of Rain
31%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Ankeny, 7 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Des Moines, IA
Elevation
929 ft
Nearest Airport
DSM
Des Moines International Airport · 9 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Clover Dash 5k, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
41
Days to train
- Race
- Clover Dash 5k
- Date
- July 19, 2026
Coming Up
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From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Clover Dash 5k?
- Clover Dash 5k is a running race held in Des Moines, Iowa on July 19, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Clover Dash 5k?
- Sunday, July 19, 2026 in Des Moines, Iowa at 4-H Exhibits Building, Iowa State Fair Grounds, Des Moines, IA. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Clover Dash 5k?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Clover Dash 5k
Jul 19, 2026