The Capital Striders organize and host two races: Loop the Lake and Capital Pursuit. However, we assist with and/or sponsor several other key races in the Des Moines area. Whether it be through funding, volunteerism, or other race services, the Striders support these races and encourage our members to participate in these events.
Red Flannel Run
A mostly flat, 3 or 5-mile course through downtown Des Moines.
Saturday, February 13th 2010 – 9:00 AM
Red Flannel Run website
online registration
Friendly Sons of St. Patrick
A St. Patrick’s day 10K and 2-mile fun run.
Sunday, March 28, 2010 – 11:00 AM
more information(PDF)
online registration
Drake Relays On-the-ROADS
Billed as Iowa’s oldest road race, this annual event is in its 36th year and is run the Saturday morning of the famous Drake Relays. With a fast half-marathon and 8K distances, this is a spring training favorite.
Saturday, April 24th, 2010 – 8:00 AM
more information
Dam to Dam
One of the Midwest’s premier running events. One of the largest 20K road races in the country and a flat/fast 5K make this a destination race. One of the best post-race parties around too!
Saturday, June 5th, 2010 – 7:00 AM
more information
Clive Running Festival
A mainstay in Central Iowa and going on its 24th year. Fast and fairly flat 10K and 5K races await those who brave the often warm temperatures of late June. A 1-mile run and tot trot truly make this a family event.
Saturday, June 13, 2009 – 8:00 AM
The Des Moines IMT Marathon & Half-Marathon
The Des Moines IMT Marathon & Half Marathon are becoming a tradition for bringing people together. It has earned well deserved praise as one of the best venues for running 26.2 miles.
Sunday, October 18, 2009 – 8:00 AM
more information
CITA Dirty Duathlon
This bike-and-run event is a non-profit venture supporting trail development in central Iowa. The race is presented by UME Compete and hosted by Capital Striders and Central Iowa Trail Association.
Sunday, November 15th, 2009
more information
Living History Farms Off-Road Race
25+ years and still going strong. The Farms Race (as the locals call it) is the largest off road running race in the country – and getting bigger. Runners from over 20 states flock to Central Iowa for the unique race through creeks and over fences.
Saturday, November 21, 2009 – 9:00 AM
Steve Bobenhouse – 800.529.7684
more information
Sycamore 8 (or 4)
A trail run hosted by the Central Iowa Trails Association.
Saturday, December 5th, 2009
more information
New Year’s Day Run & Potluck
The Striders start the new year off right with our traditional January 1st mid-morning run followed by (the most important part) a feast of goodies brought by the members.
We meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Lions Park shelter house in Urbandale (just south of the High School). The routes from 1 to 6 miles wind through the streets of Urbandale, but small groups break off and often do less or more than the mapped route. This is an un-timed and casual fun run – no racing on this day, at least officially.
We ask attendees to bring kid-sized mittens, gloves, scarves, stocking hats, boots, etc. to donate to The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Iowa. They distribute our donations to those in need.
So please bring new (or gently used) children’s winter clothing for donation. Yes, cash and checks will also be accepted.
Members bring all sorts of great dishes for the pot luck. There’s usually a good mix of lunch and breakfast items and if you go away hungry, it’s your own fault. The Striders provide beverages and your table service – all else is brought by members.
Hook up with old friends or make a few new ones. Consider joining us next New Year’s Day for exercise, fun, friends, and food.
Here’s a few memories from years past…
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003