Hillbilly Hike Half Marathon
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Overview
The Hillbilly Hike takes place Saturday–Sunday, November 7–8, 2026, at the Summerset Trail area in Carlisle, Iowa. The event includes the following distances:
- Half Marathon
- 10k
- Greubel Memorial 5k
- Virtual Race
The races serve as fundraisers for the Thrive church Mission Team and for college savings plans through the Greubel Memorial 5k. Organizers expect about 650 total signups. The event offers chip timing, ring-spun shirts, custom die-cast medals for all finishers, trophies for top overall finishers, and age-division awards.
Race details and logistics
The half marathon and 10k are point-to-point courses that finish in Carlisle. The half marathon starts in Indianola and follows the trail into wooded sections of Summerset State Park. The 10k begins in Summerset State Park and the 5k begins near the Summerset Trailhead in Carlisle. Bus transportation is provided from Carlisle to the half and 10k start locations. Parking is available at Carlisle High School (430 School Street) and nearby lots including Wycoff and River Bottom Raceway.
Bag drop is provided at start lines and baggage claim at the finish; bags are organized by bib number and collection is loosely monitored. Portable restrooms are available at start lines; additional restrooms are located about one mile into the half and about halfway through Summerset State Park. Packet pick-up and walk-up registration occur on Thursday 11/5, Friday 11/6 (time TBD), and Saturday morning in Carlisle. Food and finish-line amenities include music, pie, biscuits and gravy, and chocolate milk. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
