Upcoming Running Races in Iowa

Endurance Grid lists 171 running races in Iowa, from September 2026 to September 2027 across 74 cities.

171
Races
74
Cities

Running Races in Iowa

The running race calendar in Iowa is busiest in October, September, and November, with races most often in Des Moines, Bettendorf, Iowa City, and Council Bluffs.

What running races are

Organized running races are one of the most accessible entry points into endurance sports. There’s a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line. Distances run from 1-mile fun runs and 5Ks up through the 10K, half marathon, and marathon.

Most races are timed and chip-scored, with a mass or wave start and aid stations along the course. Big-city races keep the noise going the whole way; smaller races give you long stretches where it’s just you and the miles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many running races are in Iowa?
Endurance Grid's Race Calendar lists 171 upcoming running races in Iowa across 74 cities, from September 2026 to September 2027.
What running distances are offered in Iowa?
Running races in Iowa include 1 Mile, 10K, 15K, 1K, 2 Mile / 3K, 4 Mile, 50K, 5K, and more distances.
When is running season in Iowa?
Running season in Iowa runs spring through fall. Of the upcoming running races on Endurance Grid's Race Calendar, the most are in October and September.
Which Iowa cities have running races?
Running races in Iowa are held in Des Moines, Bettendorf, Iowa City, Council Bluffs, Ames, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Marshalltown, West Des Moines, and Ankeny, plus 64 other cities.

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