Newton, Iowa · Saturday, June 27, 2026
The The Longest Day Purple Powder 5K Run/Walk is a 5k, running, and walking event held on Saturday, June 27, 2026. It is located at 598 1st Street North in Newton, Iowa.
Location
Park Centre Main Entrance (west) circle drive
500 1 st St. N
Newton, IA 50208
Join us for the Inaugural RUCKUS H.E.R.O. RUCK 4 FREEDOM!
Ruckus H.E.R.O. 4 Freedom is an honorary Ruck where the community comes together with our Active-Duty Military, Veterans and First Responders to do something uncomfortable to show our Armed Forces the gratitude we have for our Freedom.
Based on a Military tradition, participants will have the option to wear a weighted backpack and participate in a 5K Ruck Walk. For those that don't want to wear the ruck you can sign up to run or walk the 5K.
RUCKUS H.E.R.O. 4 FREEDOM will give all of us the opportunity to do something hard to give back to those who have given so much.
As a community we are strong, our Freedom is safe, and this will give us the opportunity to show our service members, family and friends that we are willing to give our time and be a little uncomfortable to say, thank you.
I invite you to join us, be a sponsor, volunteer with a friend to push a veteran, and be part of the day that will show our gratitude for the freedom we all love.
The official charity of RUCKUS H.E.R.O. 4 FREEDOM is Fort Des Moines African American Military Officer Museum. Funds will be used to benefit the mental health of soldiers, and their families through the gift of therapy. This event will also contribute to Outdoor Experience For All a Foundation that provides outdoor adventures for our Veterans.
What You Get!
Custom Event Medal for all participants.
Custom Event Dri-Fit Tech T-Shirt for all participants.
Awards for Top Three in all events. Our events are the following:
H.E.R.O. 5K RUCK WALK
FREEDOM 5K RUN/WALK
Pre- and Post-Race "Runner's Hydration" ( water, Gatorade, etc)
Event managed by Blu 365.
Race Day Information
Race Day Registration will be available beginning at 7:00am.
We accept cash, and credit cards on race day (checks are no longer accepted)
Race day pricing will be:
5K - $35
Due to the nature of the course, strollers and wheelchairs are not recommended.
No pets allowed on course.
No motorized vehicles, bicycles, wagons, etc. are allowed on the ruck course.
Due to the common start/finish line, there is no bag check for this event.
This event will take place rain or shine. There are no refunds or transfers due to weather.
For those participating in the Ruck, you will need to provide your own weighted backpack. Weight should come from can goods that after the race could be donated to food pantry [VFW]
Ruck weight:
Female: 11lbs
Male: 22lbs
Scales will be available at the start.
Brand new in 2026, we're heading to Sleepy Hollow in Des Moines-part of Polk County Conservation's family of parks.
The Iowa Trail Run Series is not about spending a bunch of cash for no reason. You'll get a great race with clear marking and course support, with basic timing, a cool custom bib, and a rotating race item such as a BUFF, socks, a stocking cap, coffee mug, and aluminum water bottle. Signing up for the entire series includes a series gift! Do you want a really soft and comfy tri-blend shirt with one of our Animal Icons? Great! Add one during your registration. We know some people have enough stuff in their closet and others may want to commemorate the day! Plenty of post-race food to refuel!
Every Registration Includes
Great Swag - designer shirt
Custom medal
Chip-timing with live results and awards
Free photos
Great snacks at the finish line!
Plenty of fun!
Grab your friends and family, you are not going to want to miss this one!
*Youth-based pricing for the 5k/10k, 12 & Under are only $17!
*Register by midnight on Thursday, two Thursdays before race day, to guarantee your shirt!
Run, Walk, and Roll: Women of the ELCA 5K for Raising up Healthy Women and Girls
The Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering takes place every three years and gathers 1000 women leaders, participants, and newcomers for four days of worship, inspiring speakers, workshops, service projects, and more! The theme for the 2026 Triennial Gathering is "I am Worthy" focusing on Psalm 139:14 “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14
The 5K Run, Walk and Roll is a fundraiser to support the work of the Women of the ELCA health initiative, Raising Up Healthy Women and Girls.
EVERYONE is welcome to register and participate!
THE CAPITAL PURSUIT
Capital Pursuit is Capital Strider's premier 10-mile race that takes participants through the best parts of the City of Des Moines. 2026 marks the event's 44th year of racing, make sure not to miss one of Des Moines' longest-running traditions!
The Capital Striders are a member of the Road Runners Club of America, which promotes the development of community-based running clubs and events in the pursuit of health and competition for all ages. RRCA provides support and race insurance for many of its 2,500 member organizations.