The Blazing 5k
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The Blazing 5k : event overview
The Blazing 5k is a road race held in Des Moines, Iowa at Water Works Park / 2201 George Flagg Pkwy Shelter House. The event doubles as the USATF Iowa Road 5k State Championship and is held annually. It includes an Open 5k (no cutoff), an Elite Female 5k (cutoff 20:00), and an Elite Male 5k (cutoff 16:30). Registration and related event pages are provided through the race organizer. Sponsors listed for the event include Runablaze, Wieland Racing, Fleet Feet Des Moines, RunnerStuff, Roots Rehab, and others.
Course, categories and prizes
The certified course (USATF certificate IA21006MF) starts on the back loop in Water Works Park and uses clockwise loops described as flat and fast, with a long straightaway to the finish. The race offers elite and open team competitions. Elite team prizes include $500 for the top men's team and $500 for the top women's team, scored cross country style by the top three finishers on each team. Individual overall prizes for 2026 are listed as: 1st place $300 plus shoes, 2nd $200 plus shoes, 3rd $100 plus shoes, 4th $75, and 5th $50. Age-group awards are gift cards provided by Fleet Feet Des Moines for top three in each age category. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.