Iowa City · United States
5K races near Iowa City
11 races in 2026
next one is today
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Race calendar
Upcoming 5K races near Iowa City
This week 3
3JUL
Run · road · 5K
Marengo 3rd of July 5K Run/Walk
Marengo · 47 km away
4JUL
Run · road · 5K
Sigourney Fourth of July 5k / 1 mile
Sigourney · 67 km away
4JUL
Run · road · 5K
Fifth Season Races - 2026 41st Year
Cedar Rapids · 37 km away
JUL 3
17JUL
Run · road · 5K
14th Annual Party in Pink 5K/10K Run/Walk
Vinton · 70 km away
25JUL
Run · road · 5K
The Great Jones County Fair 5K Race
Monticello · 72 km away
+6 more 5K racesShow fewer ↓
25JUL
Run · road · 5K
Walker Pickle Days 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run
Walker · 73 km away
AUG 3
8AUG
Run · road · 5K
Atkins Watermelon Days 5k Walk/Run or 1-Mile Fun Run 2026
Atkins · 46 km away
22AUG
Run · road · 5K
GLO Toronto Half/10K/5K
Toronto · 62 km away
29AUG
Run · road · 5K
Lincolnway Run
Wheatland · 61 km away
SEP 2
26SEP
Run · road · 5K
Run For Pie 5K & Kids 1 Mile Fun Run
Lisbon · 31 km away
27SEP
Run · road · 5K
Team Breast Friends 5K Rack Run / Family Fun Run
Iowa City · 4 km away
Iowa City · 80 km
11 races mapped
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Recurring 5K races near Iowa City
Races that repeat — weekly, monthly or yearly
Especially for You Race Against Breast Cancer
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.
Keystone Iowa 2026 Zombie Apocalypse 5K Run
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.
Hot Cider Hustle - Cedar Rapids Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
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.
Live Your Best Life 5k
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.
Santa 5k Fun Run/Walk
Run Santa Run 5K is an untimed holiday 5K in downtown Madison. Runners and walkers select one of three characters: Santa, Elf, or Polar Bear. The entry includes costume pieces like a character shirt, hat, and accessories, resulting in groups dressed alike rather than in standard race kits.
The course emphasizes holiday fun over speed. Participants encounter interactive aid stations and can attempt to outrun the Grinch; the first 25 to succeed receive a complimentary slice of Ian's Pizza. Santa attends the event, and the day concludes after the finish at the North Pole Post-Race Party. Santa and Elf registrations may sell out, leaving Polar Bear as the alternative choice when those options are full.
Hawkeye Turkey Trot
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.
Cedar Rapids Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk
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.
Kewash Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
The Kewash races begin and end at Jps 207 on West Main Street in Washington, Iowa, utilizing the Kewash Trail. Held in April, the event provides four race options: a marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K. The marathon covers the full 26.2 miles, and the shorter races offer opportunities for less experienced runners, walkers, and local participants on the same trail.
The course is an out-and-back route on a smooth, non-technical trail, featuring gradual inclines, mild descents, and level stretches instead of difficult terrain. The marathon, a recent addition, joins a race series with over ten years of history. Marathon runners start earliest in the morning, with the half marathon following, and the 10K and 5K races commencing together. All finishers receive a medal, a race shirt corresponding to their chosen distance, complimentary downloadable photos, and a post-race beverage ticket for those of legal drinking age.
Red Shoe Run & Walk 5K
The 42nd Annual Red Shoe Run & Walk supports families needing care. The updated route starts and ends at Lower City Park. All ages, strollers, and leashed pets are welcome. Enjoy pre-race snacks, a kids zone, and awards. A free lunch follows. Register early for your T-shirt.
Looking for something else near Iowa City?
Other races in the next 90 days
JUL 733 km away
cycling
Night at the Oval, July 7
AUG 151 km away
triathlon
Muscatine Triathlon | Presented by Sqwincher
AUG 842 km away
triathlon
YMCA of Washington County Triathlon
AUG 927 km away
cycling
Iowa State Time Trial Championships
AUG 149 km away
cycling
Core4 Gravel
SEP 632 km away
cycling
Millstream Gravel Cup 2026
SEP 732 km away
cycling
Millstream Gravel Fondo
About 5K races in Iowa City
Iowa City Base Miles
Iowa City hosts 20 5K races in 2026 within 80 km of the city centre — upcoming dates, recurring series, and other races nearby, all in one place.
Locals run Terry Trueblood Trail when they want easy Z2 from IC City Park to Terry Trueblood and back. Clear Creek Trail, Willow Creek Trail, Sycamore Greenway, and Court Hill/Scott Park give you lots of paved path with no cars. Iowa River Corridor Trail keeps the long run simple, with a mix of sun and shade and bathroom stops in warmer weather. Corridor Running and Team Breast Friends are names you hear around the start line. Team Breast Friends 5K Rack Run / Family Fun Run, Run for the Schools, Hawkeye Turkey Trot, and Lake Macbride Trail Races work as anchor events. The route is 7 km and gains 187 m.
Locals ride Iowa River paths, Clear Creek Trail, quiet side streets, and Johnson County gravel when base miles need room. Iowa City Cycling Club and Bicyclists of Iowa City keep the group-ride side visible. Sugar Bottom Recreation Area brings the punch, and the Sugar Bottom - Oxford route stacks 743 m over 77.9 km. Dodge St HV to 14 Tunnels Loop connects all 14 bicycle and pedestrian tunnels and climbs 514 m over 60.2 km. The Out to Coralville Dam and back route gains 265 m over 25.8 km. Core4 Gravel, CRANDIC Time Trial, Millstream Gravel Cup, Iowa Gravel Time Trial Championship, and Iowa Gravel Road Race Championship give the calendar real anchors.
May to September is the clean training window, with enough daylight for intervals, gravel, and after-work spins. June is the wettest month on average, and summer has hot days in July with showers and thunderstorms from May through September. Locals still get it done because paved trails stay useful, and the river routes have water and bathrooms in warmer weather. Winter changes the surface more than the habit. January runs cold, snowfall is moderate, and single storms can dump enough snow to make footing and tire choice matter. The Sac & Fox trail keeps a very good surface, except when snow or ice covers it.