The Blazing 5k
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Event overview
The Blazing 5k is scheduled for October 4, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa, at Water Works Park / Shelter House (2201 George Flagg Pkwy). The event serves as the USATF Iowa Road 5k State Championship and is held as an annual road race. Registration options and multi-race bundles are offered with linked events including a mile and a 4-mile race on other dates.
Distances and entry categories
- Open 5K (no cutoff time)
- Elite Female 5K (cutoff 20:00)
- Elite Male 5K (cutoff 16:30)
- Espresso Mile (separate event on May 31, 2026)
The event includes both elite and open entry categories. Elite entry offers free entry for men meeting a listed standard and for women meeting a listed standard; free-entry sign-up opens April 14, 2026. Team competitions for 2026 include Elite and Open divisions with cross-country style scoring.
Course, prizes and awards
The certified 5k course (USATF IA21006MF) starts on the back loop at Water Works Park, follows clockwise flat loops, and finishes on a long straightaway. Prize structure lists overall awards for top five men and women, bonuses for course records, and a total planned purse for 2025/2026. Age-group awards are provided by Fleet Feet Des Moines as gift cards for top three in each age category. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
