Fairgrounds 5K

The Annual Fairgrounds 5K takes place in the fall on the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Runners, joggers and walkers are invited to join in a fun walk/run at their own pace in the Fairgrounds’ park-like setting. Enjoy Fair scenery - without the Fair hustle and bustle - in beautiful fall weather!

5K not your speed? You can also participate in our One-Mile Walk and our Chase the Cow Kids Run! Learn more about each below. You can also view previous years' race standings, official times and event photos on our Fairgrounds 5K Results page.

Save the date for the 7th annual Fairgrounds 5K, Sunday, November 3, 2013. 

Questions regarding the Fairgrounds 5K can be directed to Allyson.

The 5K run’s scenic race route takes you down the Grand Concourse, around the livestock barns and through the hills of the Campgrounds. The 5K is intended more for runners and joggers - walkers are encouraged to enter the One-Mile Walk. Refreshments and awards take place after the race. In addition, the 5K is timed with RFID timing for accurate finish times! Whether you're training for another race event or just want to see the Fairgrounds from a different perspective, the Fairgrounds 5K is a great opportunity to lace up your running shoes!

Anyone who would like to walk the Fairgrounds without participating in the more competitive 5K is encouraged to enter the One-Mile Walk. It's a casual way to enjoy a fall day, while getting one last Iowa State Fair experience before winter. The walk will begin at the Start/Finish Line on Grand Ave. Walkers will not be officially timed, but a clock will be located at the finish line for times. The mile route takes you through an abbreviated race course on the Fairgrounds. All participants in the Walk will be entered into a drawing for prizes.

Prior to the 5K and One-Mile Walk, there will be a kids' run in front of the Grandstand on Grand Avenue. Ages 1-3 will run 50 meters, ages 4-7 will run 100 meters and ages 8-11 will run 200 meters. Heats will be determined by the total number of entries on race day; boys and girls will run together. All kids will receive a participation ribbon and a T-shirt. To make it even more fun, the kids chase a cow mascot to the finish line!

  • No daycare will be provided at any time during the event and children must be attended to at all times.
  • Parents may participate with the younger children (6 and under).
  • No strollers please.
  • Packets can be picked up with the normal packet pick-up times
  • The $5 registration is due in advance or on race day.
  • Youngest kids will run first, beginning at 1:00 p.m.