Hillbilly Hike Half Marathon
A paved rail trail carries this Iowa point to point from Indianola down to Carlisle, flat and sheltered enough that runners show up chasing fast times.
Every link above goes to the race, its timing provider, or an official registration partner. Last checked July 28, 2026.
Quick facts
- Point-to-point on paved rail trail, starting in Indianola and finishing in Carlisle.
- Certified and flat, which makes it a sensible place to run a half marathon time.
- Buses carry runners from the Carlisle finish area out to the start.
- Age group awards run three deep, and every finisher gets a die cast medal.
2026 Hillbilly Hike Half Marathon registration
Registration for the 2026 Hillbilly Hike Half Marathon runs through the official registration page at runsignup.com.
About the Hillbilly Hike Half Marathon
Thrive Church has put this race on the Summerset Trail for more than a decade and has kept it small on purpose. Three distances share one finish line in Carlisle and all go off at 8:30, with buses shuttling runners out from the finish to the point-to-point start lines. The 5K raises money for college costs for children who lost a parent.
Course
The half starts in Indianola and runs the Summerset Trail south to Carlisle on paved asphalt rail trail the whole way. The grade is a converted rail bed, so it stays flat and rhythmic, and more than half the distance is tree lined for shade and wind cover. The route passes woodland, farmland, wetland, and prairie. Trail width is the one constraint, so sorting out position early matters.
Race-day weather
Early November in central Iowa can swing hard. Starts in the 30s are common and a cold, windy morning is more likely than a mild one. The tree cover blunts the wind through much of the trail, but the open farmland sections give it right back.
Past Hillbilly Hike Half Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, November 7, 2026 | Upcoming | — |
Hillbilly Hike Half Marathon FAQ
When is the Hillbilly Hike Half Marathon?
The 2026 Hillbilly Hike Half Marathon is on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
How do I register for the Hillbilly Hike Half Marathon?
Register for the Hillbilly Hike Half Marathon through the official registration link: marathonscout.com/go/hillbilly-hike-half-marathon/register. It opens the race registration page at runsignup.com.
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