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 the season closing event for Girls on the Run teams and the wider community. It takes place on Sunday, November 8, 2026 at Principal Park. The event serves as a celebratory, noncompetitive 5K distance of 5K (3.1 miles) and provides program participants of all abilities a tangible sense of accomplishment.
The event is open to current participants, coaches, registered 5K Buddies, Sparkle Runners, and community runners. Current Girls on the Run program participants and coaches are automatically registered and do not need to register separately. Every participant receives a commemorative finisher medal; 5K registration also includes a t-shirt, an official bib with pins, and finish-line snacks. Coaches help connect each participant with a registered adult 5K Buddy who is at least 16 years old. Sparkle Runners are volunteer runners who must be women age 18 or older and complete a background check. Community Runners include family, friends and others who support the program.
Packet pick-up for registered runners and volunteers is held the days before the event at the Wellmark YMCA and on race day at Principal Park. The course start and finish are at Principal Park and a course map is provided during 5K week. The event is accessible to participants who walk, push, roll or run; designated parking and accessible course options are available. The celebration runs rain or shine; a severe weather cancellation will not be rescheduled and will not be refunded. Pets are not permitted. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
