The Blazing 5k
- Date
- October 4, 2026
- Distance
- Open 5K Race (No cutoff time) · Elite Female 5k Race (Cutoff 20:00) · Elite Male 5k Race (Cutoff 16:30)
From the Organizer
Welcome to the fastest 5k in the Midwest!
Event doubles as the USATF Iowa Road 5k State Championship.
NEW in 2026, Team Competitions! See information below.
2025 RESULTS
2026 marks the 7th annual Blazing 5k. The last 6 years have welcomed elites and runners of all types. The 5k course starts on the back loop in Water Works Park and shoots out the gun going clockwise on the flat and fast loop. At the end of the loop the racers are greeted by a prize for the first person to cross the mat. From there it's another flat and fast main loop going clockwise. This area offers plenty of space for spectators and the field can be seen for almost the entirety of this loop. It finishes on the screaming fast and long straightaway to the finish.
USATF Certified Course: IA21006MF
The 7th edition of the event date is now taking place on October 4th, 2025.
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
70°
Typical Low
45°
Chance of Rain
26%
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 The Blazing 5k, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
More Running races near Des Moines, IA
Capital City Pride Stride 5K
5K
Less than a mile away
Eagle 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Des Moines, IA (28)
Half Marathon · 10K · 5K
Less than a mile away
Clover Dash 5k
5K
Less than a mile away
Heatwave Half Marathon - Des Moines
Half Marathon
Less than a mile away
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 Blazing 5k?
- The Blazing 5k is a running race held in Des Moines, 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 Blazing 5k?
- Sunday, October 4, 2026 in Des Moines, Iowa at 2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for The Blazing 5k?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
The Blazing 5k
Oct 4, 2026