Mind Over Miles 5K logo

Mind Over Miles 5K

Mind Over Miles 5K is a running race on October 4, 2026 in Ames, IA, featuring the 5K distance, with entry fees from $10 to $40.

100

Days to train

Sport

Running
Date
October 4, 2026
Distance
5K · Other
Price
$10–$40

From the Organizer

Six Months is TOO long to wait for mental health care....but that is the reality for too many people in Story County. 

That's what this run is for. Every dollar earned  during this race will go directly to providing no cost mental health services to under/uninsured individuals in Story County. But wait...there's a bonus! This program (Gap to Growth) provides quality internship experiences for masters level counseling students and gives them real experience in the mental health field. So, not only are we improving Story County, but we are also making improvements to the mental health care system as a whole. And when I say "WE" I mean you too, because we can't do this without you. 

Race registration includes a race T-shirt. T-shirt sizes are guaranteed for all 5k entries received by September 13th 2026. Sizes and quantities will be limited after this date.

8:00 a.m. shotgun start for the in-person race.

Early pick-up of race packets, including T-shirts for in-person entries, will be available between

  • 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Friday October 2, 2026, at 605  East Lincoln Way STE 4, Ames, IA 50014.
  • 7 a.m. on RACE DAY October 4, 2026, at the shelter house at Ada Hayden Park in Ames.

Age Groups: 9 and under; 10–14; 15–19; 20–29; 30–39; 40–49; 50–59; 60–69; 70+. 

 

Creative Counseling Services is dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, and families on their journey toward greater mental wellness, personal growth, and resilience. Through compassionate, professional counseling services, we empower our clients to overcome challenges, strengthen relationships, and live more fulfilling lives.

Creative Counseling Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and a charitable contribution may be available for a portion of your registration fee and/or donation. Please consult your tax advisor regarding current IRS regulations.

TIN: 45-4635731

Events

Kids Run$10
Mind Over Miles 5K$40

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

69°

Typical Low

44°

Chance of Rain

31%

Based on US Climate Normals data from Ames Muni Ap, 3 mi from the venue.

Sunrise 7:14 AMSunset 6:50 PMDaylight 11h 36m

Host City

About Ames, IA

Population

66,112

as of 2023

City Elevation

932 ft

Nearest Airport

DSM

Des Moines International Airport · 35 mi

Time Zone

Central Time

From Endurance Grid

A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.

Race Location

Approximate location — pin shows the host city, not the exact venue.

Your Next Start Line

What Are You
Waiting For?

Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Mind Over Miles 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.

100

Days to train

Race
Mind Over Miles 5K
Date
October 4, 2026

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.

Read the Guide

Running

From 5K to marathon, running races are an 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 Mind Over Miles 5K?
Mind Over Miles 5K is a running race held in Ames, Iowa on October 4, 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 Mind Over Miles 5K?
Sunday, October 4, 2026 in Ames, Iowa at Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for the Mind Over Miles 5K?
Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.

Mind Over Miles 5K

Oct 4, 2026

Register →