2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines IA
Sunday, October 4th, 2026
Welcome to the fastest 5k in the Midwest!
Event Overview
- Date: October 4, 2026
- Location: 2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA
- Championship: Doubles as the USATF Iowa Road 5k State Championship
- Learn more: Race Information
Course Details
- Course Start: Begins on the back loop in Water Works Park
- Loop Configuration: Clockwise on a flat and fast loop
- Spectator Areas: Provides plenty of space for spectators to view the race
- Finish Line: Features a long straightaway for a fast finish
USATF Certification
- Certification: USATF Certified Course: IA21006MF
- Annual Event: 2026 marks the 7th annual Blazing 5k
- Past Results: 2025 RESULTS
- Significant Dates: Team Competitions introduced in 2026
Prizes
- 1st Overall M/F: $300 + Shoes
- 2nd Overall M/F: $200 + Shoes
- 3rd Overall M/F: $100 + Shoes
- 4th Overall M/F: $75
- 5th Overall M/F: $50
- Beyond Recovery Halfway Premium: $100 + Shoes
- 5k Course Record Bonus: $100
- Record Holders: Edwin Kurgat (13:47 - 2022), Kassie Parker (15:46 - 2024)
Future Prize Purse
- 2025 Total Planned Purse: $3150 + Shoes (x8 pairs)
- 2024 Total Purse: $3350 + Shoes (8 pairs)
- 2023 Total Purse: $3540 + 8 pairs of free shoes + Coeur Gear (Women’s Winner)
- 2022 Prize Purse: $2100 + Shoes
- 2021 Prize Purse: $1750 + Shoes
- 2021 10k Invite Prize Purse: $2250 + Shoes + Gear
- 2020 Prize Purse: $600 + Shoes + Gift Cards
- 5k All-Comers Record Bonus: $TBD (Frank Omara 13:37 - 1992, Shelly Steely 15:30 - 1992)
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
- Contact: Reach out to Tyson Wieland at Tysonw123@live.com
Course Map
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