The Blazing 5k
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Event information
The Blazing 5k is scheduled for October 4, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa. The event is the USATF Iowa Road 5k State Championship and is held at Water Works Park near 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Shelter House. The course is USATF certified (IA21006MF). The 2026 edition is the seventh annual running of the event.
Races, course and awards
Distances offered:
- Open 5K Race - no cutoff time
- Elite Female 5K - cutoff 20:00
- Elite Male 5K - cutoff 16:30
The course starts on the back loop in Water Works Park and runs clockwise on a flat loop, then continues on a larger flat main loop with wide spectator areas. The finish is on a long straightaway.
Prizing and records: overall prizes for 2026 include 1st place M/F $300 plus shoes, 2nd $200 plus shoes, 3rd $100 plus shoes, 4th $75, and 5th $50. There is a $100 course record bonus and a halfway premium listed. The 2026 planned total purse is noted in past materials. Course record times listed in event materials are Male 13:47 (2022) and Female 15:46 (2024).
Team and age-group competitions: new in 2026 are Elite and Open team competitions. Elite team prizes include $500 for top scoring teams with scoring based on the top four finishers. Open divisions include men's, women's, and co-ed scoring formats. Age-group awards are gift cards for top three in each listed age category. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
