5K Races in Iowa
Iowa has 100 upcoming 5K races scheduled for 2026. Most of the calendar falls in the warmer months: 65 of 100 races (65%) take place between May and September, with August (23 events) the busiest month. Des Moines is the busiest city with 20 races, ahead of Bettendorf (12) and Ankeny (3).
5K races by month in Iowa
Aug (23) · Sep (22) · Jul (17) · Oct (17) · Nov (10) · Dec (4) · May (3) · Apr (2) · Jan (1) · Feb (1)
Showing 24 of 100
Running
ELCA 5K Des Moines
Des Moines, IA
Running
ELCA 5K Des Moines
July 18, 2026
Des Moines, IA
Running
Run, Walk, and Roll: Women of the ELCA 5K for Raising up Healthy Women and Girls
July 18, 2026
Des Moines, IA
Running
Eagle 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Bettendorf, IA (29)
Bettendorf, IA
Running
Eagle 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Bettendorf, IA (29)
July 25, 2026
Bettendorf, IA
Running
The Great Jones County Fair 5K Race
Monticello, IA
Running
The Great Jones County Fair 5K Race
July 26, 2026
Monticello, IA
Running
Color Blaze 5k Run/Walk
Le Claire, IA
Running
Color Blaze 5k Run/Walk
August 1, 2026
Le Claire, IA
Top Cities for 5K Races in Iowa
Frequently asked questions
How long is a 5K race?▾
A 5K is 3.1 miles (5 kilometers). It is the most popular race distance in the US and a great starting point for new runners. RACE lists thousands of 5K events across all 50 states.
What is a good 5K time for beginners?▾
A good beginner 5K time is 30-35 minutes. Many first-time runners aim to complete the distance without stopping. The average US 5K finish time is around 28 minutes.
How do I find a 5K near me?▾
Use the RACE search bar to enter your zip code or state and filter by distance. You can also browse by month to find races that fit your schedule. Turkey Trots in November and charity 5Ks are especially popular.
How long does it take to train for a 5K?▾
Most couch-to-5K programs are 6-8 weeks long with 3 runs per week. If you can already jog for 10-15 minutes, you could be ready in 4-6 weeks with consistent training.