
Friends of Yellow River State Forest Trail Run
A grassroots trail run through Iowa's Yellow River State Forest.
Race Date
May 7, 2027
Location
Harpers Ferry, IA
Quick facts
- Date
- Friday, May 7, 2027
- Location
- Harpers Ferry, Iowa
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K, 10K
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Trail
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
The Experience
Held in the dark-sky haven of Yellow River State Forest, this trail run series offers a low-key weekend of racing under Iowa’s big skies. The Friday night 5K kicks things off, followed by Saturday’s 5K, 10K, and half-marathon — all winding through wooded trails that showcase the forest’s quiet beauty. With registration under $60 and a family-friendly vibe, it’s a down-to-earth escape from big-city races.
The loop courses stay within the forest, offering soft dirt trails and gentle grades (despite a flat elevation profile, expect typical trail undulations). Runners can tackle the “Dirty Double” — a Friday + Saturday combo — and earn a hand-crafted ceramic mug. Awards for three age divisions and a no-frills atmosphere make it clear: this is a race run by and for the local trail community, not for flash or crowds.
Race-provided description
Friends of Yellow River State Forest will be holding their annual 5K and 10K Trail Run/ and Half-marathon on May 7 and 8 in the State Forest! **Must be registered by the April deadline to receive a shirt. **Online registration closes at 11:59 on May 5, but walk-ins are welcome. Early Bird Deals: Friday 5K: $35, race starts at 6:30 PM Saturday 5K: $35, race starts at 8:30 AM Saturday 10K: $45, race starts at 8 AM Saturday half-marathon: $55, race starts at 7:30 AM NOTES: ♦Check-in starts an hour before race time at YRSF Office 737 State Forest Road, Harpers Ferry, Iowa 52146 **Prices will increase $5 on April 1. These prices are for registrations that take place before April 1. Dirty Double Discount: Friday night run plus 5K on Saturday cost $65 Friday night run plus 10K on Saturday cost $70 Friday night run plus half-marathon on Saturday cost $75 ♦Dirty Double participants also get one of our coveted, hand-crafted race mugs! ♦Registration for the Dirty Double has changed some. You will select your race and then choose a second race from the drop-down menu. The same discounts are applied. All ages are welcome, children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Children over the age of 12 must be registered. The Friday night 5K will be family-friendly, but it is on existing trails so strollers may be difficult. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are allowed. We will have a male and a female winner from each of these age divisions: 1) 17 and under 2) 18 - 49 3) 50 and over 1st to 3rd place winners in each category will receive a prize. Races will be timed again this year. Due to the use of existing trails the distances are not exact. Are you (or is someone you know) interested in volunteering during the run? Are you interested in being a sponsor for this race? Sponsorship levels are as follows: Oak: $500 or more—you receive your logo on participants’ t-shirts, four race entries, and promotion on Facebook page Sapling: $300-$499—you receive your logo on participants’ t-shirts, two race entries, and promotion on Facebook page Acorn: $1-$299—you receive your logo on participants’ t-shirts and promotion on Facebook page Contact hilltop@acegroup.cc for more information on becoming a volunteer or a sponsor. Friends of Yellow River State Forest is a 501 c3, not-for-profit organization. The mission of the group is to enhance Yellow River State Forest for public use while protecting the integrity of the flora, fauna, soil and water. All funds raised by the Friends group are invested back into the state forest.
Logistics
Race Day
Friday, May 7, 2027
Start Time
7:30 AM
Giveaway
Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
Start Location
737 State Forest Rd, Harpers Ferry, IA, 52146
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
trail
Scenery
Forest
Surface
Dirt Trail
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
first year
no finisher counts yet
small race — neutral
needs a few years of results
3 timing sources · 4 photos
no finisher data yet
no winner time yet
typical high 69°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
48°
Afternoon (High)
69°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
65%
Humidity
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Friends of Yellow River State Forest Trail Run?
The Friends of Yellow River State Forest Trail Run is held on Friday, May 7, 2027, starting at 7:30 AM.
Where does the Friends of Yellow River State Forest Trail Run take place?
It takes place in Harpers Ferry, Iowa.
What distances does the Friends of Yellow River State Forest Trail Run offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K, 10K.
Is the Friends of Yellow River State Forest Trail Run course flat and good for a PR?
The Friends of Yellow River State Forest Trail Run is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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