Mines of Spain Trail Races
- Date Sat 8th August 2026
- Location Dubuque, Iowa
Event summary
Join the excitement at the Mines of Spain Trail Races on Saturday, August 8th, 2026, in beautiful Dubuque, Iowa! This annual event invites outdoor enthusiasts to tackle stunning and challenging trails with options ranging from 4 miles to 7 miles and a half marathon distance. Experience the breathtaking beauty of eastern Iowa as you navigate the picturesque bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, traverse tall grass prairies, and weave through lush hardwood forests.
The diverse terrain features a mix of dirt single and double tracks, wide prairie trails, and a few rocky technical sections, guaranteeing a thrilling adventure for runners of all levels. In addition to the main races, young runners can participate in the free Mini-Mines Trail Race for kids aged 12 and under on Friday evening, making it a perfect family-friendly event. With a commitment to sustainability, the races will feature local food and drinks, a cup-free approach, and a zero waste initiative. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow trail lovers and support the Friends of the Mines of Spain! Mark your calendars for a day filled with nature, camaraderie, and unforgettable running experiences!
The diverse terrain features a mix of dirt single and double tracks, wide prairie trails, and a few rocky technical sections, guaranteeing a thrilling adventure for runners of all levels. In addition to the main races, young runners can participate in the free Mini-Mines Trail Race for kids aged 12 and under on Friday evening, making it a perfect family-friendly event. With a commitment to sustainability, the races will feature local food and drinks, a cup-free approach, and a zero waste initiative. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow trail lovers and support the Friends of the Mines of Spain! Mark your calendars for a day filled with nature, camaraderie, and unforgettable running experiences!
Organiser's Description
Come join the MoS crew annually on the second Saturday of August for 4mi, 7mi and half marathon distances on some of eastern Iowas best and most challenging trails! The routes through Mines of Spain will challenge you with their difficulty and inspire you with their beauty as they climb the bluffs for views of the Mississippi, make their way through tall grass prairies and weave through dense hardwood forests.
The terrain is a diverse mix of dirt single and double track and wide prairie grass trails. There are some rocky, technical sections of trail as well as a few steep climbs but much of the course is smooth and runnable with just rolling hills to contend with.
In keeping with the beauty of the natural environment, the races will be as environmentally-friendly and sustainable as possible with local food and beer along with cup free racing and a zero waste approach from pre race to post race.
Profits will be returned to the Friends of the Mines of Spain to help maintain the trails.
Basics
Who? You and like-minded runners who love sharing beautiful trails.
What? 4mi, 7mi and half marathon distance races.
We will also again be hosting a free Mini-Mines Trail Race for kiddos ages 12 and under Friday evening during packet pickup. The Mini-Mines race will start at 6:30pm and there is no pre-registration required. We just ask that you show up early by 6:15pm Friday night to sign your little runners in.
When? Packet pickup Friday from 5PM-7PM and pre-race Saturday from 6:15AM-7:15AM.
Races Saturday starting at 7:30AM.
Where? EB Lyons Nature Center- 8991 Bellevue Heights Rd, Dubuque, IA 52003
Why? Because running on trails is awesome!
Runners are encouraged to carpool or ride their bike as parking is limited and we want to limit our impact. Water and Tailwind Nutrition drink (excellent source of calories and nutrition) will be provided on the course along with some basic sweet/salty snack foods. All runners are strongly encouraged to bring a handheld water bottle or hydration pack as we are a cup free race and there will be no disposable cups provided on course.
The terrain is a diverse mix of dirt single and double track and wide prairie grass trails. There are some rocky, technical sections of trail as well as a few steep climbs but much of the course is smooth and runnable with just rolling hills to contend with.
In keeping with the beauty of the natural environment, the races will be as environmentally-friendly and sustainable as possible with local food and beer along with cup free racing and a zero waste approach from pre race to post race.
Profits will be returned to the Friends of the Mines of Spain to help maintain the trails.
Basics
Who? You and like-minded runners who love sharing beautiful trails.
What? 4mi, 7mi and half marathon distance races.
We will also again be hosting a free Mini-Mines Trail Race for kiddos ages 12 and under Friday evening during packet pickup. The Mini-Mines race will start at 6:30pm and there is no pre-registration required. We just ask that you show up early by 6:15pm Friday night to sign your little runners in.
When? Packet pickup Friday from 5PM-7PM and pre-race Saturday from 6:15AM-7:15AM.
Races Saturday starting at 7:30AM.
Where? EB Lyons Nature Center- 8991 Bellevue Heights Rd, Dubuque, IA 52003
Why? Because running on trails is awesome!
Runners are encouraged to carpool or ride their bike as parking is limited and we want to limit our impact. Water and Tailwind Nutrition drink (excellent source of calories and nutrition) will be provided on the course along with some basic sweet/salty snack foods. All runners are strongly encouraged to bring a handheld water bottle or hydration pack as we are a cup free race and there will be no disposable cups provided on course.
Races
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8991 Bellevue Heights Rd., Dubuque, 52003, IA, United States
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Mines of Spain Trail Races
