Races Near Me: Upcoming Running Races

The Monster Dash 5K is coming to Des Moines, and we’re bringing it to the spooky trails of Raccoon River Park for a Halloween-themed race you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re running with friends, walking the course, or just looking for an excuse to break out your best Halloween costume, the Monster Dash is ready to bring some fun to race day. The 5K features a pre-race costume contest, chip timing, free event photos, big finisher medals, awesome Halloween-themed shirts, and more! There will also be a Lil’ Monsters Kids Run for ages 10 and under, plus costume awards for those who really want to embrace the Halloween spirit. So start planning your costume, grab your running crew, and get ready to hit the course at Raccoon River Park!

2026 date is not finalized, but the current planned date is listed.   2025 RESULTS 2025 Race Photos This is a fall race that runs on both single and double track dirt. Participants have 5K/10K/15K options on a trail loop that takes you deep into the woods. Races will begin promptly at 9:00 AMWalkers may participate and are encouraged to register for one of the shorter races.The course will remain open for 3 hours.Proceeds from this race will be used to support Des Moines' dirt trail systems, the Stewards of Browns Woods, and the Capital StridersClick here to view the map of Brown's Woods (in PDF format). TGHWG will be completed on the outermost trail loop, which totals a 5K distance; 10K participants will be doing 2 loops, 15K participants will be doing 3 loops.While we love dogs, sadly our insurance does not permit them on the course during the event.Packet Pickup will be Friday October 23rd from 4:00-6:00PMRegistration

The FAM Turkey Trot has been a tradition for many families since 2012. It is a family friendly way to kick off your Thanksgiving, whether you're a competitive runner or want walk around the lake with your family. Teams can be set up in memory of a loved one, so that you can raise funds in their honor. Whether you are a family served by SHINE or just looking for a quick 5K to earn your Thanksgiving dinner, you’ll enjoy your morning at Raccoon River Park with other runners, joggers, and walkers. We can’t anticipate the weather, but we can guarantee a tradition for years to come! In order to support the SHINE program at Blank Children’s Hospital, a raffle will also take place with tickets going on sale November 13th through race day. You do not need to be present to win. Visit our Facebook page to see a list of raffle items and enter for a chance to win.