Friends of Yellow River State Forest Half Marathon
Singletrack half marathon inside a northeast Iowa state forest, with ridge climbs, valley overlooks, and a volunteer fundraiser weekend around it.
Every link above goes to the race, its timing provider, or an official registration partner. Last checked July 27, 2026.
Quick facts
- Singletrack trail half marathon inside an 8,990-acre state forest with 51 miles of trail.
- Hilly driftless terrain with short steep climbs and loose footing after rain.
- Saturday half follows a Friday evening 5K, and a combined entry covers both.
- Volunteer-run fundraiser, with proceeds reinvested in the forest.
2027 Friends of Yellow River State Forest Half Marathon registration
Registration for the 2027 Friends of Yellow River State Forest Half Marathon runs through the official registration page at runsignup.com.
About the Friends of Yellow River State Forest Half Marathon
The Friends of Yellow River State Forest run this weekend as their main fundraiser, and money raised goes back into the forest. The half marathon is the longest event and starts Saturday morning, following a Friday evening 5K that draws families and leashed dogs. A combined entry covers both days for runners who want the pair.
Course
The route uses the forest trail network instead of roads, so footing shifts between packed dirt, roots, and rutted climbs. This is driftless country, which means real elevation change: short steep pitches up the ridges and long views down into the valleys. Spring rain in the days beforehand can leave whole sections slick.
Race-day weather
Early May in northeast Iowa tends to run cool and damp, often in the 40s at the start and the 60s by midday. Rain in the preceding week matters more than race-morning temperature, since the trails hold mud and standing water.
Past Friends of Yellow River State Forest Half Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Saturday, May 8, 2027 | Upcoming | — |
Friends of Yellow River State Forest Half Marathon FAQ
When is the Friends of Yellow River State Forest Half Marathon?
The 2027 Friends of Yellow River State Forest Half Marathon is on Saturday, May 8, 2027.
How do I register for the Friends of Yellow River State Forest Half Marathon?
Register for the Friends of Yellow River State Forest Half Marathon through the official registration link: marathonscout.com/go/friends-of-yellow-river-state-forest-half-marathon/register. It opens the race registration page at runsignup.com.
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