5K races near Atkins

The Especially for You Race Against Breast Cancer is an annual October event in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area. It features a timed 5K run, a 5K walk, and a family fun walk of about one mile. All participants begin in the morning, uniting runners, walkers, families, and supporters in a single event. The race generates funds for free mammograms and other local breast-care and gynecological services. Cindy Young helps organize the event, which has a history connected to Sandy Knight, identified by the race as Young’s sister and visionary. Online access to past results and photos provides a historical record of participants.

The Hot Cider Hustle in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, features a half marathon, 10K, 5K, and an untimed 5K. A Kid's Division 5K is available for runners 12 and under. Virtual options for the half marathon, 10K, and 5K allow participation remotely. The post-race offerings are central to the event's theme: finishers receive hot apple cider, caramel apples, and a finisher mug. Children's registration includes an untimed bib along with the same cider, caramel apple, and mug. Photos can be shared using #HotCiderHustle, and official event details are available at IowaRuns.com.

Runners in the Keystone Iowa Zombie Apocalypse 5K wear flag football belts as costumed zombies wait along the course, attempting to pull their flags. This chip-timed 5K takes place in Keystone, Iowa, beginning at 91 2nd Ave. It is a fall race with a $35 registration fee. The course prioritizes completing 5 kilometers with flags intact over achieving a personal best. Zombies are outfitted with makeup or costumes, and the rules restrict contact to flag pulls only; no grabbing, pushing, striking, or wrestling is permitted between runners and zombies. Participants may run, walk, or crawl the distance, with all proceeds benefiting Keystone First Responders and Benton Girl's Wrestling.

The Live Your Best Life 5K is a charity run and walk in Iowa City, taking place at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area. The start and finish lines are located at Shelter 2. Participants have options: a 5K Run/Walk, a 1-Mile Sensory Walk, children's entries for those 12 and under, or a virtual 5K that can be completed from any location during the event period. The race accommodates various participants, including runners aiming for a specific time, casual walkers, families, individuals using mobility aids, and spectators. The 1-Mile Sensory Walk is a unique feature, with sensory stations positioned along the route. This shorter option provides more than just a reduced distance. The 5K route is generally more open for runners and walkers, while still incorporating elements of the sensory walk. Systems Unlimited organizes the event, with proceeds benefiting household upgrades and activities for individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health needs throughout Eastern Iowa. The organization has a 55-year history of removing barriers and creating opportunities. The event shirt features a design by members of the Monticello Day Program. Following the race, attendees can enjoy music, snacks, local vendors, and photo opportunities inside Terry Trueblood Lodge.

The Hawkeye Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving Day 5K held at City Park in Iowa City. The race headquarters is located at Shelter #6 on East Park Road. This event is the only Thanksgiving Day 5K in Iowa City. The main race begins at 9:00 a.m. Central Time, allowing participants to complete their run before their holiday meal. Additionally, the event features the Herky Turkey Tot Trot, a brief children's race that takes place after the 5K, between 10:00 and 10:15 a.m. The Tot Trot course circles the Iowa River Corridor Trail, situated near Shelter #6, ensuring the family races remain within City Park. This event is designed for families, novice runners, and local participants seeking a brief holiday race instead of an extended morning run. A portion of the race proceeds benefits the Food Bank of Iowa, and participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for donation on race day.

The Cedar Rapids Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk is a Thanksgiving morning race in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, offering both timed and untimed 5K options. It is designed for those seeking a holiday run or walk before the day’s meal, and every finisher receives a donut at the finish line. The event also features a virtual 5K, a kids’ 5K fun run for ages 11 and under, and a free 100-meter Kids Dash for ages 8 and under. The kids’ 5K uses an untimed bib and includes the finish-line donut, maintaining a simple, low-pressure family atmosphere. Participants can share race photos using the #TurkeyTradition hashtag, and official updates will be posted on IowaRuns.com as event details may change before race morning.