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 scenic Water Works Park in Des Moines, Polk! This exciting race not only promises to be the fastest 5K in the Midwest but also serves as the official USATF Iowa Road 5K State Championship. Runners of all skill levels are invited to participate in this thrilling event, which features a flat and fast course that allows for spectacular views and ample space for cheering spectators.
As the 6th annual Blazing 5K, this event has a rich history of welcoming elite athletes alongside enthusiastic runners, making it a perfect occasion for everyone to challenge themselves and achieve personal bests. With enticing prizes and a fun atmosphere, including awards for age group categories and a competitive prize purse, The Blazing 5K is set to be an unforgettable day of running and community spirit. Mark your calendars, lace up your running shoes, and get ready to blaze through the finish line!
As the 6th annual Blazing 5K, this event has a rich history of welcoming elite athletes alongside enthusiastic runners, making it a perfect occasion for everyone to challenge themselves and achieve personal bests. With enticing prizes and a fun atmosphere, including awards for age group categories and a competitive prize purse, The Blazing 5K is set to be an unforgettable day of running and community spirit. Mark your calendars, lace up your running shoes, and get ready to blaze through the finish line!
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 6th 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.
EVENT RECORDS:
5k Male: Edwin Kurgat - 13:47 (2022)
5k Female: Kassie Parker -15:46 (2024)
Mile Male: Reid Buchanan 4:14 (2025)
Mile Female: Kasandra Parker 4:55 (2025)
6.609km Male: Reid Buchanan 18:09 (2025)
6.609km Female: Kasandra Parker 20:51 (2024)
PRIZES:
2026 PRIZE STRUCTURE TBD: Purse + Shoes + Bonuses
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]
AGE GROUP AWARDS
Awards provided by Fleet Feet Des Moines!
1st - $20 Gift Card
2nd - $10 Gift Card
3rd - $5 Gift Card
Age Group Categories
19 and under
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70+
CONTACT:
If you have any questions be contact us at: [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 6th 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.
EVENT RECORDS:
5k Male: Edwin Kurgat - 13:47 (2022)
5k Female: Kassie Parker -15:46 (2024)
Mile Male: Reid Buchanan 4:14 (2025)
Mile Female: Kasandra Parker 4:55 (2025)
6.609km Male: Reid Buchanan 18:09 (2025)
6.609km Female: Kasandra Parker 20:51 (2024)
PRIZES:
2026 PRIZE STRUCTURE TBD: Purse + Shoes + Bonuses
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]
AGE GROUP AWARDS
Awards provided by Fleet Feet Des Moines!
1st - $20 Gift Card
2nd - $10 Gift Card
3rd - $5 Gift Card
Age Group Categories
19 and under
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70+
CONTACT:
If you have any questions be contact us at: [email protected].
Races
-
Open 5K Race (No Cutoff Time)
Incl. $0.89 Fee
Sun 4th October 2026 (8:00AM CDT)
$13.89
OPENS 09 OCT -
Elite Female 5k Race (Cutoff 20:00)
Incl. $0.89 Fee
Sun 4th October 2026 (8:00AM CDT)
$13.89
OPENS 09 OCT -
Elite Male 5k Race (Cutoff 16:30)
Incl. $0.89 Fee
Sun 4th October 2026 (9:00AM CDT)
$13.89
OPENS 09 OCT
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2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Shelter House, Des Moines, 50321, IA, United States
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The Blazing 5k
