The Blazing 5k
- Date Sun 4th October 2026
- Time 8:00AM CDT
- Location Des Moines, Iowa
- Price $15.95
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating day at The Blazing 5K, set to take place on Sunday, October 4th, 2026, in the vibrant city of Des Moines, Polk. This event is touted as the fastest 5K in the Midwest and also serves as the USATF Iowa Road 5K State Championship, making it a must-attend for runners of all levels!
Now in its 7th year, The Blazing 5K promises a flat and fast course that starts on the scenic back loop of Water Works Park. Participants will race clockwise around the loop, with the excitement building as they push towards the finish line on a long, speedy straightaway. Spectators will have plenty of opportunities to cheer on their favorites, as the course offers great visibility throughout. With exciting prizes for top finishers and even team competitions this year, runners will be motivated to chase their personal bests and maybe even set new course records! Don’t miss out on this incredible race experience in Des Moines—mark your calendars for October 4th, 2026, and get ready to blaze your trail!
Now in its 7th year, The Blazing 5K promises a flat and fast course that starts on the scenic back loop of Water Works Park. Participants will race clockwise around the loop, with the excitement building as they push towards the finish line on a long, speedy straightaway. Spectators will have plenty of opportunities to cheer on their favorites, as the course offers great visibility throughout. With exciting prizes for top finishers and even team competitions this year, runners will be motivated to chase their personal bests and maybe even set new course records! Don’t miss out on this incredible race experience in Des Moines—mark your calendars for October 4th, 2026, 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.
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
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.
NEW in 2026, Team Competitions! See information below.
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
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
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2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Shelter House, Des Moines, 50321, IA, United States
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The Blazing 5k
