Ultramarathons in Iowa, United States in 2026

Moderately challenging loops through Lake Macbride State Park with crushed limestone paths, technical snowmobile trails, diverse terrain, and scenic lake views.

Scenic trails weaving through 5,500 acres of Whiterock Conservancy, with river valley views and varied landscapes in Coon Rapids, Iowa

Looped 50k and 50 mile courses through Moorehead Park’s singletrack dirt and meadow trails, rolling hills, historic sites, and 1,000 feet of elevation gain per

Varied Scott County Park trails north of Davenport, with gentle, runnable terrain and a flowing 50k format designed to feel approachable.

4.167-mile loop every hour, up to 12 hours; minimal aid, self-reliant format; last runner standing wins after one final lap

Rural Iowa backroads and the scenic Bridges of Madison County, thousands of feet of elevation gain, challenging hills, and muddy roads in wet conditions

Scenic 3.2-mile loop with singletrack and gravel, 200 feet of elevation per lap, varied terrain in a tranquil 180-acre Iowa park

4.167-mile loop through South Park and Pollmiller Lake Campgrounds, 80% paved with gravel and trail sections, 175 feet elevation change per loop

Three-loop 30-mile course around lake and campground, wood chip trails, gravel roads, grassy fields, technical wooded sections, and uneven terrain

Looped 4.167-mile course on Lake Ahquabi State Park trails with hourly starts under the last man standing format

Rugged 50k trail course with creek crossings, steep climbs, and about 750 feet of elevation gain per loop through scenic Swiss Valley Nature Preserve

48-hour format with 4-mile loops every 4 hours on mixed paved trails and disc golf course terrain, featuring night running and optional bonus lap

Steep climbs, technical paths, and flat prairie trails on a looped course through forests and bluffs, featuring river views in Iowa's driftless region.

Rails to Trail course along the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, starting and finishing at Iowa West Foundation Trail Head Park

Flat, paved 1.9-mile loop at Gray's Lake Park with minor rolling hills; age and gender equalized scoring; 6, 12, or 24-hour race options

Rugged Iowa trail ultra in Mines of Spain: out-and-back singletrack, doubletrack and prairie trail, with stone steps, stream crossings and climbs.

Nebraska trail classic with a 30K route through Indian Cave State Park, historic old town sections, and varied trails featuring scenic area views

Hilly woodland loops in Pinicon Ridge Park with a sledding hill, creek crossing, multiple stairs, 215 feet of climb per loop, and alternating course directions

100% trail loops at Jester Park with rolling hills, flat sections, and 4,550 feet of elevation gain over 100 miles; variable Iowa weather and pacer support from

Rugged Hitchcock Nature Center course featuring steep hills, technical singletrack, challenging elevation, and scenic woodland views.