Groundhog Grind Trail Run

JAN-FEB

25-8

2026

Shake off winter with the Groundhog Grind Trail Run at Thomas Mitchell Park in Altoona, Iowa on February 1, 2026. Choose a 5K or 10K loop on scenic, ribbon marked trails that pass ponds, prairie and a red bridge, or run virtually from anywhere.

25-8 Jan-Feb 2026

Mitchellville, Iowa

Registration

5 kilometers

Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.

Groundhog Grind Trail Run

The Groundhog Grind Trail Run is scheduled for Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Thomas Mitchell Park, east of Altoona, Iowa. The event is presented by the Altoona Running Club and is the fifth running of this winter trail race. The start and race headquarters are located in the campground area of the park. Entry fees listed are $45 per event; prices increase after December 1, 2025. Virtual options are offered in addition to on-course races.

Event format and course

5K Trail Race - 1 loop
10K Trail Race - 2 loops
5K Virtual Trail Run
10K Virtual Trail Run

The course is a 5k loop marked with ribbons, cones, and directional arrows. The loop passes a red bridge, a scout camp area, DeVotie Hill and a nearby grave marker, a section called Groundhog Gulch, Bone Chiller Prairie, Thomas Mitchell Pond, and a Camp Creek loop. Runners must stay on the marked course; if a section is missed the competitor must return to the missed location or risk disqualification. The event uses chip timing provided by True Time Racing and course distances are measured by GPS, which may not be exact. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

5 km

5k Trail Race