Iowa Trail Run Series Yellow River State Forest

The Yellow River State Forest stop in the Iowa Trail Run Series is a fall trail race in Harpers Ferry, Iowa, offering 5K, 10K, and half-marathon distances. The state forest serves as the race venue, located about 15 miles from Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and 16 miles from Waukon, Iowa. The series maintains a straightforward approach: marked courses, simple timing, course aid, a custom bib, and a rotating race item like socks, a mug, or a BUFF. Some Yellow River events include a Friday night 5K preceding the Saturday races, and runners can complete the “Dirty Double” by combining the night run with a Saturday distance. Dirty Double finishers get a limited-edition ceramic mug, and awards may feature canvas photo prints of Yellow River State Forest taken by area photographers. The Friday 5K permits well-behaved leashed dogs, each series event offers a free kids race for ages 12 and under, and post-race food alongside Singlespeed Brewery beer contribute to a relaxed local atmosphere. The Friends of Yellow River State Forest assist in operating the event as a nonprofit, with proceeds supporting the forest.