The Capital Striders Running Club was established in the mid-1980s with a simple purpose: to promote running throughout Central Iowa. Guided by the “Running It Forward” philosophy, the club offers four annual races, weekly Saturday-morning group runs, Wednesday track workouts, and events throughout the year. We are a friendly, supportive environment where all paces are welcome and community matters.
Races
The Capital Striders host four races each year, offering opportunities for runners of all abilities to stay active, challenge themselves, and stay connected to the local running community throughout the seasons.
Loop the Lake 8K
Gray's Lake offers a scenic paved trail around a picturesque 93-acre lake.
The area offers beautiful views of the water and the Des Moines skyline, making it an ideal location for an 8K race.
Capital Pursuit
Capital Striders' premier 10-mile race. This iconic event is one of Des Moines’ longest-standing race traditions.
A 4-mile run/walk option is also available for those who prefer a shorter distance.
To Grandmother's House We Go
Lace up for one of Central Iowa’s favorite fall trail races. Whether you're a seasoned trail runner or new to dirt paths, this race delivers the perfect blend of challenge, charm, and community.
Crisp air, colorful leaves, and winding forest trails set the scene for a race that feels more like an escape than a competition. You’ll run beneath a canopy of trees, crossing wooden footbridges and catching glimpses of native wildlife along the way.
Don’t forget your costume. You might just leave with more than a finisher’s medal!
Sycamore 8 Trail Run
This hidden gem winds along the Sycamore Trail, a single-track dirt path that runs beside the Des Moines River.
Iowa’s unpredictable winter has brought everything from rain and snow to subzero temperatures, along with the occasional 50-degree day that turns the trail into one of the fastest dirt routes in the state.
Expect about eight miles of well-groomed, flowing single track.
