Which Iowa cities have the most 5K races?
Des Moines (21), Bettendorf (7), Iowa City (6), Ames (4) lead the state for 5K races. Those give you the most dates to choose from if your schedule is tight.
Iowa · 5K
5K Races in Iowa
Every upcoming 5K in Iowa, all 117 of them, sorted by date. Dates, entry fees, finish-time stats from past results, and start-line maps.
117 upcoming 5K races · 17 with finish-time stats
By the numbers
The Biggest and Longest-Running
The Iowa races that stand out on the numbers: the biggest field, and the longest unbroken run of editions.
5K Races by City
Soonest 5K Races in Iowa
117 total Sat, Aug 1, 2026ShamRock N Run Waterloo, IAFrom $35Details Sat, Aug 1, 2026Color Blaze 5k Run/Walk Le Claire, IAFrom $30Details Sat, Aug 1, 2026Wapsi Wiggle - A 5K & Half Marathon Riceville, IAFrom $25Details Sat, Aug 1, 2026Run In The Sun 2026 Oskaloosa, IAFrom $25Details Sat, Aug 1, 2026The Sunglasses Run 5K Des Moines, IAFrom $45Details Sat, Aug 1, 2026Alburnett Benefit Day Road Race Alburnett, IAFrom $35Register Mon, Aug 3, 2026The 51(5K) Des Moines, IAFreeRegister Thu, Aug 6, 2026Marcus Trail Glow Run Marcus, IAFrom $10Register Fri, Aug 7, 2026Grady's Superhero Run Dorchester, IAFrom $35Details Sat, Aug 8, 2026Adel Sweet Corn Festival 5K Run/Walk Adel, IAFrom $37Details Sat, Aug 8, 2026Atkins Watermelon Days 5k Walk/Run or 1-Mile Fun Run Atkins, IAFrom $30Details Sat, Aug 8, 2026Ossian Fest 5K Ossian, IAFrom $30Details
How we calculate these stats: RunSesh calculates these figures from the most recent published results of past editions, sourced from RunSignup. We show aggregates only: field size, winning and median times, and the cutoff. We never publish individual finisher tables. Last updated Jul 27, 2026.
Common Questions About Running a 5K in Iowa
When are most 5K races held in Iowa?
October is the busiest month for 5K races in Iowa, with 31 of the 117, followed by August with 26. If you are flexible on the date, that is the quickest way to narrow things down.
How much do Iowa 5K races cost?
Entry fees for 5K races here run from free to about $50, depending on the event and how early you register.
How early should I register for a 5K in Iowa?
56 of the 117 5K races in Iowa already have a price increase scheduled, so entry gets more expensive the longer you leave it. Race pricing almost always steps up as the date approaches, and signing up early is usually the cheapest option.
Are Iowa 5K races beginner-friendly?
Yes, for the most part. Across the 17 5K races in Iowa with published results, the typical median finish is around 35:05, which means half of every one of those fields came in slower than that. Recreational runners and walk-runners are the bulk of these fields, not the exception.
Are there trail 5K races in Iowa?
Yes, 7 races around Iowa get you off the pavement: 5 are trail races, and 2 mix road and trail. Surfaces are not always published, so it is worth checking a specific race before you register.