The Blazing 5k

OCT

4

2026

The Blazing 5k is a fast, flat 5k in Des Moines's Water Works Park. It is the USATF Iowa 5k State Championship and features separate elite and open categories with cash prizes. New for 2026, team competitions add another layer of competition.

Sun 4 Oct 2026

Des Moines, Iowa

Registration

5 kilometers

Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.

The Blazing 5k

The event is the 7th annual edition and serves as the USATF Iowa Road 5k State Championship. It takes place in Water Works Park in Des Moines. The course starts on the back loop and proceeds clockwise. The route is described as flat and fast, with a long straightaway finish. It is a USATF certified course.

Participants can choose from three race categories:

Open 5K Race (no cutoff time)
Elite Female 5k Race (cutoff time of 20:00)
Elite Male 5k Race (cutoff time of 16:30)

A new feature for the 2026 edition is the addition of team competitions in both elite and open categories. The elite team prizes are $500 each for men's and women's divisions. There is also a cash and product prize purse for top individual finishers. Age group awards are provided by Fleet Feet Des Moines in the form of gift cards.

There are packet pickup sessions on the days before the event at Fleet Feet Des Moines and at Water Works Park. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

5 km

Elite Female 5k Race (cutoff 20:00)

5 km

Elite Male 5k Race (cutoff 16:30)

5 km

Open 5k Race (no Cutoff Time)