Girls on the Run Central Iowa 5K
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Girls on the Run Central Iowa 5K Celebration
The Girls on the Run Central Iowa 5K is an end of season, celebratory event held at Principal Park on November 8, 2026. The event provides a tangible sense of accomplishment for program participants and is open to community runners and walkers as well. The course distance is 5K (3.1 miles) and the start and finish are at Principal Park. A course map and other event details are shared the week of the 5K.
Registration is structured with different participant roles: 5K Buddy (adults 16 and older who run one on one with a participant), Sparkle Runner (women 18 and older who may be paired with participants and must complete a background check), and Community Runner (family, friends and community members of any age). Current Girls on the Run participants and coaches are automatically registered and do not need to register through the public portal. Packet pick up for registered nonparticipant runners is available at Wellmark YMCA on the days before the event and at Principal Park on race day.
Safety and accessibility measures include council provided race bibs with emergency contact information, volunteers monitoring the course, designated accessible parking, and accommodations to walk, roll, push or run the route. Registered 5K participants receive a t shirt, an official bib with pins, a finisher medal, and finish line snacks. The event proceeds rain or shine with severe weather policies that may result in cancellation without refund. Pets are not permitted. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
