Groundhog Grind Trail Run
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Groundhog Grind Trail Run
The Groundhog Grind Trail Run takes place in early February 2026 at Thomas Mitchell Park, east of Altoona, Iowa. The event serves as the Altoona Running Club's season opener and includes in-person and virtual options across multiple days.
Distances offered:
- 5K - one loop
- 10K - two loops
The course is a marked 5K loop that runners repeat for the 10K. Markings include ribbons, cones, and directional arrows; course marshals will be present but participants are responsible for following the route. Distances are measured by GPS and may not be exact. Course cutting without returning to the missed section may result in disqualification.
The route passes over a red bridge, through a scout camp area, and up DeVotie Hill near the Dewitt DeVotie grave marker. It includes a section called Groundhog Gulch, Bone Chiller Prairie, a stretch along Thomas Mitchell Pond, and a loop near Camp Creek. The start and finish area and race headquarters are located in the campground.
This is a chip timed event with timing provided by True Time Racing. February weather in Iowa can vary widely; past editions have recorded below freezing conditions and snow while other years were milder. Those factors can affect footing and difficulty on the trail. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
