The Blazing 5k
- Date Sun 4th October 2026
- Time 8:00AM CDT
- Location Des Moines, Iowa
- Price $41.70
- Races 4 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating day at The Blazing 5k on Sunday, October 4th, 2026! Taking place at the picturesque Gray's Lake in Des Moines, Iowa, this event promises to be the highlight of the running calendar, serving as the USATF Iowa Road 5K State Championship. Runners of all abilities are invited to experience the thrill of racing on a flat and fast course that winds around the scenic lakeside, offering stunning views and ample space for spectators.
This year marks the 7th annual event, and it's packed with exciting features, including new team competitions! Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a first-time racer, the atmosphere is electric, ensuring a memorable race day experience. With a prize for the first racer to cross the mat and a supportive hype zone to keep spirits high, participants will be motivated to push their limits. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this incredible running community event—mark your calendars for October 4th, and get ready to blaze your trail!
This year marks the 7th annual event, and it's packed with exciting features, including new team competitions! Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a first-time racer, the atmosphere is electric, ensuring a memorable race day experience. With a prize for the first racer to cross the mat and a supportive hype zone to keep spirits high, participants will be motivated to push their limits. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this incredible running community event—mark your calendars for October 4th, and get ready to blaze your trail!
Organiser's Description
WELCOME TO THE FASTEST 5K IN THE MIDWEST!
EVENT DOUBLES AS THE USATF IOWA ROAD 5K STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.
NEW in 2026, Team Competitions! See information below.
2026 RESULTS [https://results.truetimeracing.com/results.aspx?CId=16535&RId=1780&shem=aimgspe]
2026 VENUE CHANGE DUE TO FLOODING! NOW AT GRAY'S LAKE - SE CORNER
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.
The 2026 course starts alongside scenic Gray's Lake where we will head south and then east as we hug the lake. Once at the first intersection, you will veer left and then right on to the main path of the trail. This pancake flat straightaway will be perfect for setting a fast pace. Once you approach the 1.5 mile mark, you'll find yourself at the Fleet Feet hype zone and the bonus premium mat, so kick it in! From there you will continue past and to the 180 degree turnaround (Sorry!) However, once through you will have a long straightaway to a blazing fast finish on the path next to the main parking lot. 2026 CERTIFICATION SUBMITTED FOR ALTERNATE COURSE.
USATF Certified Course: IA21006MF (Waterworks Course) [https://certifiedroadraces.com/certificate/?type=m&id=1096]
THE 7TH EDITION OF THE EVENT DATE IS NOW TAKING PLACE ON OCTOBER 4TH, 2026.
EVENT DOUBLES AS THE USATF IOWA ROAD 5K STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.
NEW in 2026, Team Competitions! See information below.
2026 RESULTS [https://results.truetimeracing.com/results.aspx?CId=16535&RId=1780&shem=aimgspe]
2026 VENUE CHANGE DUE TO FLOODING! NOW AT GRAY'S LAKE - SE CORNER
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.
The 2026 course starts alongside scenic Gray's Lake where we will head south and then east as we hug the lake. Once at the first intersection, you will veer left and then right on to the main path of the trail. This pancake flat straightaway will be perfect for setting a fast pace. Once you approach the 1.5 mile mark, you'll find yourself at the Fleet Feet hype zone and the bonus premium mat, so kick it in! From there you will continue past and to the 180 degree turnaround (Sorry!) However, once through you will have a long straightaway to a blazing fast finish on the path next to the main parking lot. 2026 CERTIFICATION SUBMITTED FOR ALTERNATE COURSE.
USATF Certified Course: IA21006MF (Waterworks Course) [https://certifiedroadraces.com/certificate/?type=m&id=1096]
THE 7TH EDITION OF THE EVENT DATE IS NOW TAKING PLACE ON OCTOBER 4TH, 2026.
Races
-
Open 5K Race (No Cutoff Time)
Incl. $1.70 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 4th October 2026 (8:30AM CDT)
$41.70
CLOSED -
Stroller 5k (No Cutoff Time)
Incl. $1.70 Fee
Sun 4th October 2026 (8:31AM CDT)
$41.70
CLOSED -
Elite Female 5k Race (Cutoff 20:00)
Incl. $1.70 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 4th October 2026 (8:29AM CDT)
$41.70
CLOSED -
Elite Male 5k Race (Cutoff 16:30)
Incl. $1.70 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 4th October 2026 (8:00AM CDT)
$41.70
CLOSED
Reviews
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John R Grubb Ln, SE CORNER, Des Moines, 50315, IA, United States
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The Blazing 5k
