The Blazing 5k

Sun, Oct 4, 2026, 8:30 AM CDT

Location: Des Moines, IA; 2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Shelter House, 50321
Type: RUN

Vibe analysis coming soon

Course feel, difficulty, and community fit are being added to this listing. Check back, and always confirm details on the official registration page.

At a glance

Perks & features

Free

From the public listing — confirm on the official site.

Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.

Distances & registration

3 options

Registration for all distances is through the official signup link above.

5K
Sun, Oct 4, 8:30 AM CDT · From $15.95
Opens Nov 10, 2025, 7:00 PM CST · Closes Dec 31, 2025, 6:59 PM CST
5K
Sun, Oct 4, 8:30 AM CDT · From $15.95
Opens Nov 10, 2025, 7:00 PM CST · Closes Dec 31, 2025, 6:59 PM CST
5K
Sun, Oct 4, 8:00 AM CDT · From $15.95
Opens Nov 10, 2025, 7:00 PM CST · Closes Dec 31, 2025, 6:59 PM CST

Vibe Check

Easygoing

Rolling area

Based on terrain, weather, and distance data.

The course

From the organizer

Welcome to the fastest 5k in the Midwest!

Event doubles as the USATF Iowa Road 5k State Championship.

NEW in 2026, Team Competitions! See information below.

2025 RESULTS

2026 marks the 7th annual Blazing 5k. The last 6 years have welcomed elites and runners of all types. The 5k course starts on the back loop in Water Works Park and shoots out the gun going clockwise on the flat and fast loop. At the end of the loop the racers are greeted by a prize for the first person to cross the mat. From there it's another flat and fast main loop going clockwise. This area offers plenty of space for spectators and the field can be seen for almost the entirety of this loop. It finishes on the screaming fast and long straightaway to the finish.

USATF Certified Course: IA21006MF

The 7th edition of the event date is now taking place on October 4th, 2025.

Prizes:

2026 Prize Structure: See Below

Overall 1st M/F : $300 + Shoes

Overall 2nd M/F: $200 + Shoes

Overall 3rd M/F: $100 + Shoes

Overall 4th M/F: $75

Overall 5th M/F: $50

Beyond Recovery Halfway Premium: $100 + Shoes

5k Course Record Bonus: $100

Male: Edwin Kurgat - 13:47 (2022) Female: Kassie Parker -15:46 (2024) 5k All-Comers Record Bonus: $TBD

Male: Frank Omara - 13:37 (1992) Female: Shelly Steely - 15:30 (1992) 2025 Total Planned Purse: $3150 + Shoes (x8 pairs)

2024 Total Purse: $3350 + Shoes (8xpairs)

2023 Total Purse: $3540 + 8 pairs of free shoes + Coeur Gear (Women's Winner)

2022 5k Prize Purse: $2100 +shoes

2021 Blazing 5k Prize Purse: $1750 + shoes

2021 10k Invite Prize Purse: $2250 + shoes + gear

2020 Prize Purse: $600 + shoes + gift cards

Elites:

Male cutoff 16:30 Male Free Entry 14:45 or faster Free Entry Sign Up Opens 4/14/2026 Female cutoff 20:00 Female Free Entry 19:00 or faster Free Entry Sign Up Opens 4/14/2026 Feel free to reach out to Tyson Wieland @ Tysonw123@live.com

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