Saturday, October 24, 2026
9:00 am
Brown's Woods, West Des Moines

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 leave with more than a finisher’s medal!

Costume Prizes

Show off your creativity! Whether you go spooky, silly, or serious, we’ll be awarding the best dressed.

Homemade Food

Nothing beats a hearty post-race meal. Stick around after you cross the finish line to enjoy fresh, homemade favorites that’ll make the effort worth it.

Age Group Awards

We’re recognizing top finishers across all age groups, so everyone has a chance to shine.

Packet Pickup at Fitness Sports

Convenient packet pickup and professional timing services are now handled by Fitness Sports, ensuring a smooth race day from start to finish.

REGISTRATION

Capital Strider members receive a $10 discount on the entry fee. Bundle races for additional discounts.

ROUTE

TGHWG will be completed on the outermost trail loop, which totals 5K; 10K participants will do 2 loops, and 15K participants will do 3 loops.