38 running, walking, and cycling events in Des Moines, Iowa

The Red Flannel Run is the longest, consecutively-produced race in the Des Moines area with a 5K and 10K option. Wear your favorite red flannel attire and help support the YMCA’s mission to strengthen the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

EMBRACE THE COLD. RUN THE RACE. SUPPORT THE CAUSE.

Packet Pick Up

February 12, 2026 at Wellmark YMCA (time is 4:30-6:30pm). 501 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

February 13, 2026 at the Wellmark YMCA (time is 4:30-6:30pm). 501 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

February 14, 2026 at the Wellmark YMCA (Beginning at 7:30am). 501 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

Race Day Parking:

Available at the parking garage on Locust Street between 6th Avenue and 5th Avenue. To access this parking garage on race day, take 7th Street South to Locust Street. Go East on Locust Street and the entrance is on the North/Left side of the street between 6th Avenue and 5th Avenue.

Parking also available at the parking garage on 5th street between Grand Avenue and Watson Powell Jr Way. To access this parking garage, go East on Locust Street to 4th Street. Go North/Left on 4th street to Grand Avenue. Go West/Left on Grand Avenue to 5th Avenue. Go North/Right on 5th Avenue to the parking garage entrance.

Welcome to the 2nd edition of the Des Moines Spring 4-Miler!

2026 Results

2025 Results

2025 Photos

Instagram

Brought to you by Wieland Racing, the organizer of The Blazing 5k and Mile. The Des Moines Spring 4-miler is designed to help break off the rust and give you a benchmark heading into the spring season. You never know what conditions you'll get in Iowa, but this is great chance to at least have company in a good hard effort in March. All levels are welcome!

Teams

During registration you will be asked to join a team. You can select "No Team" if you aren't currently on a team. If you don't see your team, feel free to add it!

Course Description

The course is set in Waterworks Park starting near the Bill Riley Trail Bridge. It takes your through both the big and the same loop going counterclockwise before hitting the main stretch all the way back to the start. Flat and fast, certified (pending certificate) 4 mile race.

Prize money

Much like the Blazing 5k, we aim to support local elites. This race offers a unique prize structure where the top 6 M/F finishers will each earn $100. The modest $1200 purse is set to the standard purse size we believe races should all put up if they aim to support real racing.

We love to run! We love to do it at home in IOWA! Join us for the Iowa Trail Run Series presented by Exile Brewing Company. Take a break from pavement and enjoy some good, old fashioned dirt. Enjoy (9) scenic, challenging, and family friendly events when you ditch the pavement and hit the trials.

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 chip timing, a cool custom bib, and a rotating race item such as a buff, socks, a stocking cap, coffee mug, and aluminum water bottle and more. Do you want a really soft and comfy 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! Giveaways from sponsors!

The ITRS Season Pass is the best deal in Iowa running with 9 events across the spring, summer and fall throughout the state for one price. You also get the benefit of an exclusive Season Pass runner item and a personalized bib.

KIDS RACES!

Every Iowa Trail Run Series event features a FREE kids race! The kids races vary in distance between 1/2 and 1 mile. Kids 12 and under are welcome to grab a bib and run! We usually have some schwag for the kiddos too!

Kids 12 and Under that would like to run the full distance 5K or 10K will need to register as a standard runner.

Registration takes less than 5 minutes! And the earlier you register the more money you save. Sign up and invite a friend or five! Want a race shirt? Add it on during registration!

Perks of the Season Pass

• ITRS Custom Item

• Personalized Bib

• Free Upgrades to Half Marathon/Enduro Distances

• Lowest Registration Price per Race

Thanks to our presenting partner Exile Brewing Company!

Join the Iowa Trail Run Series in Iowa's capitol on some of the best trails in the state, right in the middle of Des Moines at the Center Trails!

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!

A great spring time race hosted by Capital Striders around Gray's lake to get your legs in shape for the coming season.

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.

The Des Moines Women’s Half Marathon (DSMWHM to our friends) isn’t your average running event. It’s like the hype session + living room dance party before a night out with friends but stretched over some of the most beautiful, and flat, miles in the midwest.

This year’s event will again feature a Saturday evening 5K, followed by a Sunday morning Half Marathon, 10K, and Team Relay.

Join us as we crush some miles, toast some wine, and party like it’s 1999.

The Iowa Hope Run is a movement that brings together survivors, families, friends, and supporters from Iowa and beyond to raise awareness and funds for brain tumor research, advocacy, and patient support.

This event has spent more than a decade building a strong, compassionate community rooted in Central Iowa. As we grow, our new name reflects what has always been true—hope knows no boundaries. While proudly Iowa-based, the Iowa Hope Run welcomes participants from anywhere who are united by a shared mission: supporting those affected by brain tumors and working toward a future without them.

Participants of all ages and abilities are invited to join us at Water Works Park in Des Moines for a meaningful and inspiring day. Choose from multiple distances, including a 2K, 5K, or 10.1K, or participate virtually if you’re supporting from afar. Whether you’re running, walking, fundraising, or volunteering, every step makes an impact.

Proceeds from the Iowa Hope Run benefit Dragon Master Initiative, National Brain Tumor Society, and Children’s Cancer Connection—three organizations doing critical work in brain tumor research, awareness, advocacy, and family support.

This is more than a race—it’s a day of hope, remembrance, and community. We invite you to join us.

Join us in-person or virtually at 9am CDT for the 13th annual Race to Feed Kids in support of Mary’s Meals, an international feeding charity that provides a daily meal to children in their place of education. This isn’t just your average run/walk. Every single race registration will feed one child at Mcheza school in Malawi, Africa for an ENTIRE school year, helping to end hunger and change their story.

Thank you for your generous support of Mary's Meals and the Race to Feed Kids in Des Moines, Iowa!

*This race is coordinated by Heartland for Kids, 501(c)(3). "Feeding the world's youth with Mary's Meals."

Sixth Annual Buzz Run + Stylin Paws Downtown Dog Walk!

May 16, 2026 📅 7:30 AM ⏰️

(Packet pickup details toward the bottom of the page!)

Join us for the Sixth Annual Buzz Run + Stylin’ Paws Downtown Dog Walk — a fun, laid-back community event celebrating movement, pups, and giving back!

🏃‍♀️ Event Details

👉 Distances: 2 miles, 6K, 10K, or Half Marathon

👉 Choose your distance on race day — no pressure, no stress

👉 Runners & walkers of all paces (and pups!) welcome

👉 Social run style — race it or take it easy, your call

👉 Open course — participants must follow all traffic laws

👉 Limited course support — please bring your own hydration if needed

👉 Finish-line snacks & drinks provided

💛 Registration Details

$15 Online Registration (closes May 8, 2026)

$20 Day-of On-Site Registration

+$25 Event Shirt

• Available with online registration

• Limited quantities available on race day

• First come, first served

🎉 All proceeds benefit Animal Lifeline of Iowa

📌 To guarantee a race medal and shirt (if purchased), registrations must be completed online by April 15, 2026.

📦 Packet Pickup Information*

Thursday, May 14

🕘 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

📍 Stylin’ Paws Play Place

3901 121st St, Urbandale, IA 50323

Friday, May 15

🕓 4:00 – 6:00 PM

📍 Fleet Feet Des Moines

521 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309

*Packet pickup details may change – please refer back to this page or the Facebook event page for details!

🚫 No Race Day Packet Pickup

Please plan to pick up your packet in advance to help ensure a smooth event morning — and more time for dog snuggles, socializing, and fun! 🐶🎉

Hey Iowa! Show your spirit for America and our men and women in uniform by participating in the Stars Stripes Spirit 5K Walk/Run. The event supports the veterans, youth and our communities of Iowa through the programs of the Iowa American Legion.

Get your most patriotic costume to show off your patriotism or simply walk or run as you join others in celebrating the men and women who defend America.

Enjoy food, drinks and music as we celebrate with the Stars Stripes Spirit 5K on Armed Forces Day - May 16, 2026.

This registration is NOT for Girls on the Run Participants or Coaches. GOTR Participants and coaches are already registered for the event.

Join us for the 5K – open to all! Whether you run or walk, you're welcome as a community runner. Your participation supports girls throughout central Iowa, helping them be joyful, healthy, and confident. Let's shine together with our Star Power!

Each season comes to an end with a celebratory 5K. This closing event gives program participants of all abilities a tangible sense of accomplishment. Crossing the finish line instills confidence through completion and is a joyful moment program participants always remember!

Anyone is welcome to participate in the end-of-season 5K celebration.

Packet Pick-Up

Friday, May 15 from 4-6 PM at Walnut Creek Y

Sunday, May 17 starting at 12:30 PM at Principal Park

Race start time is 2:00 PM

Join us for the annual Hometown Half Marathon & 5k/10k! A run local-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.

The fun includes -

• Great Swag - designer shirt & custom medal

• Chip-timing with live results and awards

• Pacers for the half marathon

• Free photos

• Delicious Treats waiting at the finish line

• Plenty of fun!

Grab your friends and family, you are not going to want to miss this one!

Can't make the race? No problem! We offer a virtual race option where you can run anywhere, at any time, and still earn the fun swag!

*Youth-based pricing for the 5k/10k, 12 & Under are only $17!

• Half Marathon Registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• 10k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• 5k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• 1 Mile registration is untimed and includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• The kid's dash is a fun, untimed dash for our kiddos ages 10 and under. Registration includes a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and a specifically crafted medal for our kids' dash event! (If your child wants to run the kid's dash, and doesn't want the SWAG, they are welcome to run with us on race day for free!)

*Register by midnight on Thursday, two Thursdays before race day, to guarantee your shirt!

Iowa's Greatest Running Tradition.

Since 1980, more than 135,000 runners have made running from the quiet and calm of the Saylorville Dam to the heat and high-rises of downtown Des Moines one of the greatest running traditions in central Iowa. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a first-timer, or a diehard this iconic running event is for you.

SAYLORVILLE DAM

There is something unparalleled about standing on top of the Saylorville Dam and looking out at the high-rise buildings on the horizon knowing that you will conquer the distance in between. After crossing the dam athletes will travel south through the fields and rural beauty of Polk County.

DOWNTOWN DES MOINES

Runners traverse I-35 at the Morningstar bridge and continue into the Northside Neighborhoods, along the Des Moines River at Birdland Park and enter into Downtown Des Moines. Athletes will finish their half-marathon journey by crossing the Des Moines River and passing the World Food Prize Building. With the finish line behind you, there's a huge party awaiting you at Cowles Commons across from The Des Moines Civic Center.

New event date for 2026!

See you May 31st in the afternoon☕️

2025 Results

2025 Race Photos

This event is taking place in conjunction with the Rip the Aves bike races taking place throughout the day. Packet pickup will be over at our race at corner of 28th and Ingersoll, and then it will be short walk to High Street where you'll find the start line. At roughly 1:30PM, the run will take off down hill to 24th street where it will take two right turns and take the field onto Ingersoll Avenue. After the long flat straight it will be a right turn up 28th street hill, this uphill will give you your next downhill down High street once again. Finally, it will be 2 right turns once again and a sprint to the line. Exact time to be finalized as we get closer to the event.

1st M/F - $200

2nd M/F - $100

3rd M/F - $50

Post-race you'll want to stick around and enjoy everything Ingersoll Avenue has to offer including some exciting bike races throughout the day!

This race is also a part of the Central Iowa Race League! https://runcirl.com/

Celebrate what makes running fun — high-fives, adrenaline and good friends. Come hang with Fleet Feet on Global Running Day and make The Big Run an epic party. Meet at SingleSpeed Brewing Co. for a breezy 3.1 miles in your best "retro runner" getup to celebrate the thing that has brought us together through the generations-- running!

Participants who register by 6/3 will receive a swag bag, including a free post-run drink! While Supplies Last

Sign up now (endorphins included).

Join us for the Second Annual Pride Ride, hosted by Capital City Pride in celebration of Pride Month! This untimed, community-building event is all about health, wellness, and fun—and it’s open to everyone. Whether you're rocking a fabulous outfit or your favorite cycling gear, we encourage you to come as you are and enjoy the ride.

Pride Ride features an out-and-back route with options for a 10-mile or 20-mile round trip (or whatever distance you want to travel between Single Speed Brewing Company in downtown Des Moines and The Chicken on Orillo Rd in West Des Moines. All participants will enjoy a safe, scenic ride on trails and closed roads while receiving awesome perks like a Pride Ride bike placard, cycling socks, and other fun swag.

Welcome to the ShredHER DSM MTB skills clinic powered by Kilowatt Coaching! Here's what to expect:

WHERE:

JUNE Skills Clinics: June skills clinics will be held at the Rose Garden, 4500 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312

AUGUST Skills Clinics: August skills clinics will be held at Ewing Trails, 1651 E McKinley Ave., Des Moines, IA 50320

SEPTEMBER Skills Clinics: September skills clinics will be held at Sycamore NORTH, 4640 NW 66th Ave., Johnston, IA 50131

WHAT:

Beginner Two Hour Clinic:

This clinic will cover the foundational skills for people new to off-road riding and/or new to riding a mountain bike (flat handlebar, vs drop handlebar).

15-min - Intros and Bike ABCs

15-min - Neutral/Ready Position

20-min - Bike/Body Separation - Side/Side & Fore/Aft

15-min - Braking

15-min - Shifting/Ratcheting

15-min - Climbing & Dismounts

15-min - Descending & Dismounts

10-min - Wrap-up

This clinic is right for you if:

• You are interested in getting off road, but don’t know where to begin.

• You have not attended a skills clinic previously (or want more practice with these skills).

• These skills are not familiar terms.

• You want to connect with more women riding dirt.

• You like to have fun, laugh, encourage friends, and challenge yourself.

Intermediate Two Hour Clinic:

This clinic will cover the foundational skills for people familiar with off-road riding and interested in advancing their MTB handling.

15-min - Intros and Bike ABCs

10-min - Neutral/Ready Warm up

10-min - Trackstand

20-min - Cornering

15-min - Wheel Lifts - Front & Rear

15-min - Level Lift

15-min - ¼ Punch Front Wheel Lift

15-min - Roll Down Lunge

05-min - Wrap-up

This clinic is right for you if:

• You regularly ride off-road (Denman/Sycamore) and want to level up your riding.

• You have attended a Kilowatt Coaching or other BICP based beginner skills clinic.

• The beginner skills are familiar terms and the intermediate skills are not familiar.

• You want to connect with more women riding at this level.

• You like to have fun, laugh, encourage friends, and challenge yourself.

Thanks to our 2026 sponsors, we've been able to offer these clinics at a subsidized cost to reduce financial barriers for women in the sport. THANK YOU:

Bike World

Captain Roy's

BikeRags Apparel

MARNE

Central Iowa Trail's Association

Chain and Spoke

Stoked DSM

Get ready to walk, jog, run and more with Capital City Pride at our annual Pride Stride! Join us for a vibrant and inclusive morning filled with love, unity, and community support.

Date: Saturday, June 13th

Time: 8:00 A.M.

Come kick off the second day of PrideFest with us! Pride Stride is more than just a race; it's a celebration of diversity and acceptance. Whether you're a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or somewhere in between, everyone is welcome to participate and show their support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Packet Pick Up Information:

Thursday, June 11th - 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM : Single Speed Brewing Location: 303 Scott Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

Saturday, June 13th - 6:45 AM - 7:40 AM : East 6th and Locust (Near Mainstage of Pride Festival

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!

The 2026 RipRoar Des Moines Youth Triathlon features our standard junior, intermediate and senior division races as well as the annual legends division. Athletes aged 6-15 as of December 31, 2025 as well as all RipRoar Alumni are welcome to the starting line. The RipRoar Des Moines event will be held downtown Des Moines at Gray's Lake Park, one of the most storied venues in all of triathlon.

The RipRoar Youth Triathlon Series has received numerous awards and nominations for its work empowering and teaching youth life lessons through endurance athletics.