Earlham Firecracker 5K

Welcome to the Backroads!

Welcome to the Booneville Backroads Ultra! The course runs through many of the Bridges of Madison County and the beautiful, rural Iowa countryside. With thousands of feet of elevation gain, seemingly endless hills, and if it rains, some of the gnarliest level B roads EVER, this ultra will challenge runners of all levels. The “backroads” has something for everyone, from the #tuffest10k to the 100 milers. Turn off the beaten path and hit the backroads!

New for 2026!!!

After a lot of reflection and conversations with friends (Booneville Alum), we will be making three massive changes to the race in 20261 - The biggest announcement will be that with the help of the above friends, the 50k, 100k, and 100-mile course WILL BE MARKED!!!! For the past 12 years, we have used the cue sheet system (which we will still require participants to carry but will not rely solely on) similar to gravel cycling. This system has served us well for the past 11 years, but after consulting with some former runners and those in the community who want to run the race, but see this as a huge barrier, we will be implementing it for the 2025 race. We are still figuring out what those markers will look like, but we are excited to make this change to progress the race forward2 - To encourage more female participation in the ultra distance events, any female belonging to a Trail Sisters group and looking to run the ultra distance races will be given a discount. I am a firm believer that women are continuing to push the envelope of what is possible in ultra/trail running and I feel like the participation (especially in the 100k and 100 mile) has stalled. The Trail Sisters have been an integral part of empowering females to participate more in trail/ultras and I'm proud to be a Trail Sisters-approved event. Because of this, if you are involved in a Trail Sisters group (throughout the US), please send a DM and we will provide you with a discount code to use3 - Going forward, crew WILL BE allowed on the course to provide additional support outside of aid stations. Due to the heat of the fall in Iowa, the past few years we have implemented a "grab and go" type of support for runners but have done so the week of the race as we watched the forecast. Due to our limitations on where we can place aid stations, we believe that this will be a way for all ultra-distance runners to see greater success during the event. This additional support will include restrictions of ONE crew vehicle per participant or if you are coming as a group of runners ONE crew vehicle per group. The "grab and go" support from the crew will be supplemental for runners who choose to bring a crew (or if the crew chooses to share with other runners) and there will be restrictions for that support that will be on our website later in the summer. We will still embody the spirit of what this event has been known for (the unpredictable weather, level B roads, small communities, challenging terrain, and a grassroots event). Still, we truly think these changes will help advance ultra running in Iowa.

Event's current local time: 3:22 AM CT

We spend the morning honoring and remembering service members who have been killed or who have died as a result of a service connected illness. A shirt, medal and brunch are included in the registration fee.

Run along the picturesque shore of Saylorville Lake through Jester Park on a variety of trail surfaces including gravel, dirt, and grass. New in 2026, we're doing an enduro! How many times in 10 hours can you do the 3.1 mile loop?

Or get ready for a great 5K or 10K and don't forget to wave at the buffalo as you run by!

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! Games!