Skip to main content
Date:
Sat, Apr 25, 2026 at 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location:
125 N Madison St
Iowa City, Iowa
52245
United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
Links:
instagram.com Register at runsignup.com
Tags:
3.1 Miles 5k Relay Run Walk

The American Cancer Society has a goal to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Relay For Life has been hosted by the American Cancer Society at University of Iowa (ACS at U'Iowa) student organization for more than a decade. Relay For Life has evolved in Iowa City adding friendly competition with the "Ribbon Run 5K" in 2023.

At this year’s Relay for Life Ribbon Run 5K, we come together not only to celebrate strength and survivorship, but to honor every person affected by cancer. Each step we take and dollar we raise, helps fund lifesaving research, patient support, and hope for families in our community, to ensure everyone the opportunity to fight for life. By dressing up in your ribbon color; gold for childhood cancer, pink for breast cancer, lavender for all cancer types... you shine a light on the stories behind each cancer journey, reminding us that this fight is personal, powerful, and shared. Today, we run, walk, and stand together to make a difference and move closer to a future free from cancer.

The Ribbon Run 5K is a timed 3.1-mile race that takes participants on a scenic route through Iowa City, beginning and ending in Hubbard Park. Whether you’re running or walking, all racers will start together at 9:00 AM. In-person check-in opens at 8:30 AM on April 25th at Hubbard Park, where participants will complete a waiver and photo release form—unless you registered online through RunSignUp, in which case these forms were already signed. Along the course, water stations and volunteers will be present to support, guide, and cheer you on. Please note that due to current construction, this year’s race will double-back, just make sure to follow the directional signs and markers to stay on the correct route.

Follow us on Instagram @ACS.Uiowa for up-to-date event information!

This event is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. All proceeds benefit cancer research grants, lodging services for cancer patients like the Russel and Ann Gerdin Hope Lodge in Iowa City, patient programs across the country, and more. To read more about ACS, visit cancer.org.

More races nearby

  • Doc Dash [uidocdash.com]

    Sat, May 02, 2026 at 9:00 AM

    Description

    DOC DASH 5K

    Doc Dash is an annual 5K race that has been a tradition of the Carver College of Medicine since 1989. The event welcomes not only seasoned runners but also joggers, walkers, and young...

    DOC DASH 5K

    Doc Dash is an annual 5K race that has been a tradition of the Carver College of Medicine since 1989. The event welcomes not only seasoned runners but also joggers, walkers, and young children. Recently, we have begun partnering with physical therapy students to support adaptive participants who may use equipment or require assistance to complete the course. Beginning at the medical campus, participants travel the course through nearby neighborhoods and the river trail before looping back to the finish line. Prior to the main event, a shorter event for young children (dubbed ‘Docling Dash’) takes place in the courtyard of the Medical Education and Research Facility (MERF).

    Proceeds are donated to the Iowa City Free Medical and Dental Clinic and the University of Iowa Mobile Clinic. These Iowa City organizations provide services to underserved populations that are uninsured or under-insured. These clinics draw many of their volunteers from the College of Medicine and students of other healthcare disciplines, including the Colleges of Physical Therapy and Pharmacy, to aid in the training of future healthcare professionals. Your participation and support benefit not only Iowa City but the future of healthcare in the state of Iowa and beyond.

    672 m from Iowa City
    375 Newton Road, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    5k Run

  • Red Shoe Run & Walk 5K [rmhc-eiwi.org] [Register at runsignup.com]

    Sun, May 03, 2026 at 10:00 AM

    Description

    Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois proudly presents the 42nd Annual Red Shoe Run & Walk 5K!

    This annual event raises critical funds and awareness to support our...

    Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois proudly presents the 42nd Annual Red Shoe Run & Walk 5K!

    This annual event raises critical funds and awareness to support our mission of keeping families close to each other—and close to the care they need—when they need it the most.

    Participants can run, walk, or join virtually, making this a truly family-friendly event open to all ages and ability levels. Strollers and leashed pets are welcome. Race begins and ends at Lower City Park in Iowa City. On-site festivities include pre-race snacks, a kids zone, and awards for top runners across multiple age groups. After the race, stick around and enjoy a FREE lunch on us!

    T-Shirt Info:

    Register by April 1 to guarantee your official Red Shoe Run T-shirt. Registrations after April 1 will receive shirts on a first-come, first-served basis at packet pickup and on race day.

    🚨 NEW for 2026: An updated race route (still starting and ending at Lower City Park) is coming soon—stay tuned!

    1.4 km from Iowa City
    200 Park Road, Iowa City, Iowa, 52246, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    5k Run Virtual Walk

  • Run for the Schools [runsignup.com]

    Sun, Oct 18, 2026 at 8:00 AM

    Description

    Iowa City Road Races, Inc. is a non-profit group of volunteers committed to provide a means for fund raising in the community while promoting health and fitness through running at all skill levels.

    Run for the Schools directly benefits students from the Iowa City Community School District and Regina Catholic Education Center.

    4.4 km from Iowa City
    220 S Gilbert St, Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    1 Miles 5k 10k Run

  • Miles in the Maize [facebook.com] [Register at runsignup.com]

    Sat, Nov 07, 2026 at 9:30 AM

    Description

    Miles in the Maize is a unique running experience for people of all ages and abilities! With a 5k and Maize Mile, this event takes competitors through a unique off-road course weaving around a corn...

    Miles in the Maize is a unique running experience for people of all ages and abilities! With a 5k and Maize Mile, this event takes competitors through a unique off-road course weaving around a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and other beautiful fall Iowa scenery!

    The Maize Mile will kick off the festivities at 9:30am, and the 5K will follow at 10:00am! Costume Awards will be voted on and awarded, along with Maize Mile Awards at 9:50am - prior to the start of the 5K!

    There will be a brief post-race awards ceremony at the conclusion of the 5k for overall & age group winners.

    This year we are excited to announce our partnership with the Corridor/Eastern Iowa Let Me Run and Girls on the Run organizations! Proceeds from the race will be directly donated back to both programs, and you can designate donations online and in person to either organization. These groups help foster community, fun, and fitness for boys and girls in local elementary schools!

    If you’d like to register and pay by check, please contact Lindsey@FitnessSports.com.

    Race Day registrations online and in-person will be permitted until 9:15AM.

    Packet Pickup will be on 11/7 from 1pm-5pm at Fitness Sports in North Liberty (555 Hwy 965 Unit B).

    Race Day Pickup will be from 8:30am-9:30am at Colony Acres.

    SHIRTS ARE NOT GUARANTEED IF REGISTERING AFTER 10/25!

    8.5 km from Iowa City
    1150 South Front St., North Liberty, Iowa, 52317, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    1 Miles 5k 4 Miles Run

  • Live Your Best Life 5k [sui.org] [Register at runsignup.com]

    Sat, Nov 07, 2026 at 10:00 AM

    Description

    Join us for the Live Your Best Life Sensory Walk & 5K, an inclusive charity run and walk in Iowa City designed for participants of all abilities. Whether you're a seasoned runner chasing a new PR, a...

    Join us for the Live Your Best Life Sensory Walk & 5K, an inclusive charity run and walk in Iowa City designed for participants of all abilities. Whether you're a seasoned runner chasing a new PR, a casual walker enjoying the morning with friends, or a family looking for a fun community event, this is for you.

    Hosted by Systems Unlimited, this event supports people living with disabilities and mental health needs across Eastern Iowa. For 55 years, Systems Unlimited has worked to remove barriers and create opportunities so the people we serve can live healthy, active, and fulfilling lives.

    2.8 km from Iowa City
    Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

    1 Miles 3.1 Miles 5k Run Walk

More races nearby →
Like Wikipedia, anyone can contribute. Sign up to add your local events.