HalfRuns
Friends of Yellow River State Forest Trail Run

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

Beginner Friendly

Atmosphere

Local CommunityLow Key

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

Directions

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

5K10K

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage0/20

first year

Size0/15

no finisher counts yet

Momentum3/5

small race — neutral

Loyalty0/20

needs a few years of results

Course & details6/15

3 timing sources · 4 photos

National draw0/10

no finisher data yet

Front-pack speed0/5

no winner time yet

Weather5/10

typical high 69°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (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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