The Equalizer
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About the race
The Equalizer is an endurance running event held at Gray's Lake Park in Des Moines, Iowa on October 31, 2026. The event offers timed running options that allow participants to test themselves at ultra distances and uses an age and gender equalizer so performances from different age and sex groups can be compared for overall awards.
Race options include:
- 6 hour event with a $70 fee
- 12 hour event with a $80 fee
- 24 hour event with a $95 fee
The course is a 1.905 mile essentially flat loop on a lighted asphalt path circling Gray's Lake, with views of downtown. The loop is USATF certified (#IA02004-MF). Laps and distances are counted by race personnel.
There is one aid station supplying water, soda, fruit, cookies, and soup for the 12 and 24 hour events; participants are advised not to rely solely on this station. Volunteers staff the aid station. Indoor toilets will be available; showers will not. Space is available for tents, but camping the Friday night before is not permitted.
Awards and shirts: race shirts are provided to entrants who register on time and attend. Awards for the first ten places in each event are based on actual distance plus the equalizer; an additional award is given for the longest actual distance in each event. The award ceremony follows race completion. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
