Deer Dash Trail Races

The Deer Dash Trail Races are annual trail races at Oak Grove & Big Sioux Park in Hawarden, Iowa, offering 12-mile, 7.5-mile, and 3.5-mile options starting throughout the morning. Oak Grove is a 433-acre county park along the Big Sioux River, approximately one hour from Sioux Falls or Sioux City, drawing participants from both sides of the South Dakota-Iowa border. Entry to the park and parking are free. The park provides camping, cabins, restrooms, and showers for those wishing to extend their stay for the weekend. The race name originates from Debbie, a deer with one ear who resided in Oak Grove Park for years, acting as its unofficial mascot. The routes utilize park trails susceptible to flood zones; consequently, heavy rain may necessitate course modifications or cancellation. The event is included in the SFARC trail points series, featuring other locations like Camden, Big Sioux Rec, Newton Hills, Good Earth, and Mount Lucia. Runners earn points by age division, from first to tenth place. Awards are presented to the overall male and female winners, first and last, in each Deer Dash distance. The complete series also offers gift cards for top finishers and framed course photos for the overall champions.