The Blazing 5k
- Date Sun 4th October 2026
- Time 8:00AM CDT
- Location Des Moines, Iowa
- Price $13.89
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating experience at the Blazing 5K, taking place on Sunday, October 4th, 2026, in the beautiful city of Des Moines, Polk. Celebrated as the fastest 5K in the Midwest, this event also serves as the USATF Iowa Road 5K State Championship, making it a must-attend for both elite runners and casual participants alike.
The course, renowned for its flat and fast layout, begins at Water Works Park and features a stunning loop that allows spectators to cheer on their favorite runners throughout the race. With a total prize purse of over $3,150, competitors can vie for impressive cash rewards, with the top finishers in both male and female categories taking home prizes, including shoes. Whether you're looking to break personal records or simply enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere, the Blazing 5K promises an unforgettable day of racing. Don't miss your chance to be part of this exciting event!
The course, renowned for its flat and fast layout, begins at Water Works Park and features a stunning loop that allows spectators to cheer on their favorite runners throughout the race. With a total prize purse of over $3,150, competitors can vie for impressive cash rewards, with the top finishers in both male and female categories taking home prizes, including shoes. Whether you're looking to break personal records or simply enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere, the Blazing 5K promises an unforgettable day of racing. Don't miss your chance to be part of this exciting event!
Organiser's Description
WELCOME TO THE FASTEST 5K IN THE MIDWEST!
EVENT DOUBLES AS THE USATF IOWA ROAD 5K STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.
We will be making a big race announcement in the near future for the 2026 race!
2025 RESULTS [https://results.truetimeracing.com/results.aspx?CId=16535&RId=1594&EId=2]
2026 marks the 7th annual Blazing 5k. The last 6 years have welcomed elites and runners of all types. The 5k course starts on the back loop in Water Works Park and shoots out the gun going clockwise on the flat and fast loop. At the end of the loop the racers are greeted by a prize for the first person to cross the mat. From there it's another flat and fast main loop going clockwise. This area offers plenty of space for spectators and the field can be seen for almost the entirety of this loop. It finishes on the screaming fast and long straightaway to the finish.
USATF Certified Course: IA21006MF [https://certifiedroadraces.com/certificate/?type=m&id=1096]
THE 7TH EDITION OF THE EVENT DATE IS NOW TAKING PLACE ON OCTOBER 4TH, 2025.
PRIZES:
2026 PRIZE STRUCTURE: SEE BELOW
Overall 1st M/F : $300 + Shoes
Overall 2nd M/F: $200 + Shoes
Overall 3rd M/F: $100 + Shoes
Overall 4th M/F: $75
Overall 5th M/F: $50
Beyond Recovery Halfway Premium: $100 + Shoes
Men's Elite Team Competition: $500
* Top 3 men score, lowest total wins. (Cross Country Style)
* Tie broke by heads up of lead runners
* Unlimited roster
* Must be registered in the elite category
Women's Elite Team Competition: $500
* Top 3 women score, lowest total wins. (Cross Country Style)
* Tie broke by heads up of lead runners
* Unlimited roster
* Must be registered in the elite category
5k Course Record Bonus: $100
* Male: Edwin Kurgat - 13:47 (2022)
* Female: Kassie Parker -15:46 (2024)
5k All-Comers Record Bonus: $TBD
* Male: Frank Omara - 13:37 (1992)
* Female: Shelly Steely - 15:30 (1992)
2025 TOTAL PLANNED PURSE: $3150 + Shoes (x8 pairs)
2024 TOTAL PURSE:_ $3350 + Shoes (8xpairs)___
2023 TOTAL PURSE: $3540 + 8 pairs of free shoes + Coeur Gear (Women's Winner)
2022 5K PRIZE PURSE: $2100 +shoes
2021 BLAZING 5K PRIZE PURSE: $1750 + shoes
2021 10K INVITE PRIZE PURSE: $2250 + shoes + gear
2020 PRIZE PURSE: $600 + shoes + gift cards
ELITES:
* Male cutoff 16:30
* Male Free Entry 14:45 or faster
* Free Entry Sign Up Opens 4/14/2026
* Female cutoff 20:00
* Female Free Entry 19:00 or faster
* Free Entry Sign Up Opens 4/14/2026
* Feel free to reach out to Tyson Wieland @ [email protected]
EVENT DOUBLES AS THE USATF IOWA ROAD 5K STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.
We will be making a big race announcement in the near future for the 2026 race!
2025 RESULTS [https://results.truetimeracing.com/results.aspx?CId=16535&RId=1594&EId=2]
2026 marks the 7th annual Blazing 5k. The last 6 years have welcomed elites and runners of all types. The 5k course starts on the back loop in Water Works Park and shoots out the gun going clockwise on the flat and fast loop. At the end of the loop the racers are greeted by a prize for the first person to cross the mat. From there it's another flat and fast main loop going clockwise. This area offers plenty of space for spectators and the field can be seen for almost the entirety of this loop. It finishes on the screaming fast and long straightaway to the finish.
USATF Certified Course: IA21006MF [https://certifiedroadraces.com/certificate/?type=m&id=1096]
THE 7TH EDITION OF THE EVENT DATE IS NOW TAKING PLACE ON OCTOBER 4TH, 2025.
PRIZES:
2026 PRIZE STRUCTURE: SEE BELOW
Overall 1st M/F : $300 + Shoes
Overall 2nd M/F: $200 + Shoes
Overall 3rd M/F: $100 + Shoes
Overall 4th M/F: $75
Overall 5th M/F: $50
Beyond Recovery Halfway Premium: $100 + Shoes
Men's Elite Team Competition: $500
* Top 3 men score, lowest total wins. (Cross Country Style)
* Tie broke by heads up of lead runners
* Unlimited roster
* Must be registered in the elite category
Women's Elite Team Competition: $500
* Top 3 women score, lowest total wins. (Cross Country Style)
* Tie broke by heads up of lead runners
* Unlimited roster
* Must be registered in the elite category
5k Course Record Bonus: $100
* Male: Edwin Kurgat - 13:47 (2022)
* Female: Kassie Parker -15:46 (2024)
5k All-Comers Record Bonus: $TBD
* Male: Frank Omara - 13:37 (1992)
* Female: Shelly Steely - 15:30 (1992)
2025 TOTAL PLANNED PURSE: $3150 + Shoes (x8 pairs)
2024 TOTAL PURSE:_ $3350 + Shoes (8xpairs)___
2023 TOTAL PURSE: $3540 + 8 pairs of free shoes + Coeur Gear (Women's Winner)
2022 5K PRIZE PURSE: $2100 +shoes
2021 BLAZING 5K PRIZE PURSE: $1750 + shoes
2021 10K INVITE PRIZE PURSE: $2250 + shoes + gear
2020 PRIZE PURSE: $600 + shoes + gift cards
ELITES:
* Male cutoff 16:30
* Male Free Entry 14:45 or faster
* Free Entry Sign Up Opens 4/14/2026
* Female cutoff 20:00
* Female Free Entry 19:00 or faster
* Free Entry Sign Up Opens 4/14/2026
* Feel free to reach out to Tyson Wieland @ [email protected]
Races
-
Open 5K Race (No Cutoff Time)
Incl. $0.89 Fee
Sun 4th October 2026 (8:00AM CDT)
$13.89
OPENS 08 NOV -
Elite Female 5k Race (Cutoff 20:00)
Incl. $0.89 Fee
Sun 4th October 2026 (8:00AM CDT)
$13.89
OPENS 08 NOV -
Elite Male 5k Race (Cutoff 16:30)
Incl. $0.89 Fee
Sun 4th October 2026 (9:00AM CDT)
$13.89
OPENS 08 NOV
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2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Shelter House, Des Moines, 50321, IA, United States
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The Blazing 5k
