If you haven’t had the chance to visit Iowa, you need to take the time. The Hawkeye State is home to rolling plains and cornfields that will be sure to give you plenty to look at while you run your next half marathon.
Red Shoe Run Half Marathon-Iowa City
The Red Shoe Run Half Marathon benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. The Ronald McDonald House strives to improve the health and well-being of children; in addition, it provides housing for the families of ill children so that the parents and sibling can stay close while their loved one is receiving medical treatment. Learn more here.
The Course
The course is a single loop which will take the runners past the Ronald McDonald House and through the city park. Along the course, there are eight water stops and three restrooms. This is a generally flat course with around 500 feet of total elevation gain. The most intense climbs are located at miles 4 and 8 that you’ll want to be prepared for. Some runners commented that the hill at mile 8 is a fairly lengthy section and is somewhat grueling.
Credit: Redshoerunwalk.org
Reviews
“The course went around by houses, by some parks, through the city and river, by a golf course and through a very nice wooded area. It was rolling hilly but not bad, but there was one LONG uphill section. It was probably one of my favorite races due to the different scenery. Only one section (near the end) was I unsure if i was on the right path.”- Lindsey, Bibrave.com
“The course is a big loop. This is not an easy course by any means. There are a lot of rolling hills, with 2 relatively tough hills on Foster Road and at the end of Camp Cardinal. Approximately 500 ft total elevation gain/lost. The race was all on paved streets, sidewalks, or running trails. Mile markers were placed at every mile, and were correct. There were volunteers at literally every turn. Many hydration stops. Some had Powerade and water on opposite sides and the volunteers would yell out which one they had. There was one goo station at mile 9ish.” -Mike Newman, Bibrave.com
Marathon-to-Marathon Half Marathon
This race is USATF Certified and as such, your time can be used for state and national records. The race starts at Storm Lake, Iowa and finishes in the town of Marathon. Marathon is a small town with around 300 people. Each year, this race effectively doubles the population of Marathon as it draws in at least 300 participants. Get registered here.
The Course
The Marathon-to-Marathon Half Marathon is a point to point race. The course is a continual, but gradual climb from the start all the way to the finish line. The race starts around 1,260 feet and ends around 1,390 with a few gentle hills in between. The course takes place on rural highway and is fast, flat, and offers a great chance to set a new PR.
Credit: Gmap
Reviews
“Small race. The race started in Storm Lake IA, and runs to Marathon. Storm Lake is a great town. Amazing food, great people, lots of community support for the race. The course is all in the countryside. If you like running out in the county, this is perfect. The only down side, is that due to the fact you are running out in the country there are very few people along the way.”- K.V., Marathonguide.com
“The course was fairly flat with rolling hills. The Richard Simmons water station made me laugh as did the jokes all the way up the hill preceding the station. I barely realized I was running uphill because I was so into the jokes on the signs! I ran by myself the entire way until I caught up to the half marathoners and enjoyed the encouragement from them! Other than wishing the wind was at my back, I wouldn’t change a thing!”-D.C., Marathonguide.com
Wabash Trace Half Marathon – Shenandoah
The Wabash Trace Marathon is a beautiful course that is tree-lined and takes runners through the beautiful Iowan countryside. The race starts in downtown Shenandoah. Shenandoah is a beautiful, quaint little town with a little over 5,500 people. This town is known for its gardens and nurseries and was once called the “seed and nursery center of the world.” The Wabash Trace trail is primarily crushed limestone and concrete. The entire trail is 63 miles and encompasses sections of three different counties. The trail is beautiful and you may even see some deer or other wildlife while on your run. Click here for dates and registration info.
The Course
The race is a point to point course that takes place on an old converted railroad line that is mostly flat. The course starts and finishes in downtown Shenandoah. There are water stops approximately every two miles along the course which offer different beverages and snacks. These water stations are fun and unique and sure to keep to running to see what the next stop holds. The total elevation gain is 451 feet. You can expect a few rolling hills, but not much more than that.
Credit: MapMyRun
Reviews
“Breathtaking landscapes from trail. Coming from Atlanta, Georgia I found the event relaxing and people so friendly. This is a smaller event that hopefully will grow.”- Dar Bohanon, Facebook.com
“The bike pacers at the end was a great idea and very helpful for me to meet my goal. One aid station put some treats in a plastic bag for runners on the go. It was very helpful. Most everyone at the aid stations were very helpful and cheerful. I felt my presents was appreciated. One thing you may want to add are some gels. If you had some this time you must of run out. I plan to return next year.”- Tom Detore, Marathonguide.com
Hy-Vee Road Races Half Marathon – Des Moines
The Hy-Vee Half Marathon takes place on the Drake University Campus. The race is professionally timed using RFID technology to give runners the best experience possible. All race participant will receive a T-shirt and a pair of Asics socks. Find out more on their website.
The Course
This is a point to point course that starts at the Drake Stadium and finishes at the University Fine Arts Center. Many runners commented on the intensity of the hills, particularly from miles 3-6 where you’ll see a 175 foot elevation change. Race organizers make sure to have water and energy stops placed every mile, so you should be able to make it through to the end.
Credit: HalfMarathons.net
Reviews
“The hills on this raced were HARD. I mean, I knew there would be hills, but I was not prepared at all for just how much more extreme they were than the training I had been doing. My first 10 or 11 miles were pretty good. Tough, but steady. The last few had the absolute worst hills, and I had to take a few walking breaks. This really frustrated me because one of my goals for the race was not to walk. But the combination of the tough course, and the heat, just took it out of me. There was a water and Gatorade station at about every mile, with Gu, candy, and fruit at some of them.”- Alex Karei, www.alextriesitout.com
“The race started at 9AM on the edge of town, at the aquatics park. The local fire department raised their ladder, and hung the American flag, and we ran past that on the way north and west towards the finish. The beginning mile or two, we crossed two streets, but there was police escort. It is listed as an open course and to use caution. After that we went through a small subdivision and on to a flat trail/path by the river. We stayed near the river for several miles. It was very pretty view and nice day. There was one particularly hilly section, with one huge hill after a water station – i couldn’t even guess the grade, but it was steep! We continued north and went near a rather busy park that they were playing soccer in, and then around a farm field just outside of town, to finish in the Kennedy park.”- Lindsey Pepper, Bibrave.com