Death by 5k Waterloo
Sat, May 16, 2026, 4:00 AM CDT
- Distance
- 50K
- Type
- Run
Finish signup on the organizer site (check fees and dates there).
Race feel
Conquer ten 5k segments over 24 hours on a paved trail, fueled by hot meals, and earn a unique handmade finisher's coffin.
- Scenic
- Quirky
Scenic
QuirkyEmbrace the unique endurance test of Death by 5k Waterloo, returning for its fourth year at George Wyth State Park. This distinctive event challenges participants to complete ten 5k segments over 24 hours, with each segment starting 2.5 hours apart. The course follows a paved out-and-back route on the scenic Cedar Valley Lakes Trail. Runners and walkers can refuel with five hot meals and abundant snacks, and rest between segments in their own tents or vehicles. Finishers earn a coveted handmade coffin award, celebrating their remarkable achievement.
What to expect
- Run or walk ten 5k segments over 24 hours, starting each 2.5 hours apart.
- Enjoy five hot meals, plus snacks and drinks throughout the event.
- Rest between segments in your tent, hammock, or vehicle at Race HQ.
Standout details
- Ten 5ks over 24 hours
- Handmade finisher's coffin
- Five hot meals provided
- Paved trail in a state park
Perks & features
- Shirt
ShirtFrom the public listing; confirm on the official site.
Course surface
Road
Pulled from words in the public listing. Helpful hint only, not a course rating.
Summaries use public event text. Confirm schedule, fees, and rules on the official page before you sign up.
From the organizer
Death by 5k is coming back to Waterloo for year 4!
Think you have what it takes to finish the Death by 5k challenge?
Taking place at beautiful George Wyth State Park, Death by 5k requires participants to run (or walk) ten 5ks over 24 hours, starting each 5k 2.5 hours apart. (8 am, 1030 am, 1 pm, 330 pm, 6 pm, 830 pm, 11 pm, 130 am, 4 am, 630 am)
Race HQ will be the Canfield Shelter and the course will be an out and back on the Cedar Valley Lakes Trail (paved)
There will be 5 meals, each including hot food, served over the course of the event. Meal times will be 830a, 130p, 630p, 1130p, and 420a. There will also be plenty of snack food and drinks available throughout the event. You will not go hungry or thirsty at a RunStrong Event
Participants can spend time between 5ks in a camping tent, hammock, under a pop up tent, or in their vehicles.
Participants will receive an event shirt, along with other event swag. Finishers will receive one of the coveted handmade finisher's coffin.
Initial registration will be limited to 150 participants. After that, a waitlist will be opened. Additional participants may be selected if slots are opened.