Events
Open 5K Race (No cutoff time)
Elite Female 5k Race (Cutoff 20:00)
Elite Male 5k Race (Cutoff 16:30)
Description
Welcome to the fastest 5k in the Midwest!
Event doubles as the USATF Iowa Road 5k State Championship.
We will be making a big race announcement in the near future for the 2026 race!
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
Men's Elite Team Competition: $500
- Top 3 men score, lowest total wins. (Cross Country Style)
- Tie broke by heads up of lead runners
- Unlimited roster
- Must be registered in the elite category
Women's Elite Team Competition: $500
- Top 3 women score, lowest total wins. (Cross Country Style)
- Tie broke by heads up of lead runners
- Unlimited roster
- Must be registered in the elite category
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
Team Competitions
New in 2026, we will be offering both Elite and Open team competitions.
Elite Category
Men's Elite Team Competition
- Top 3 men score, lowest total wins. (Cross Country Style)
- Tie broke by heads up of lead runners
- Unlimited roster
- Must be registered in the elite category
- Prize Money paid out to designated team leader, $500
Women's Elite Team Competition: $500
- Top 3 men score, lowest total wins. (Cross Country Style)
- Tie broke by heads up of lead runners
- Unlimited roster
- Must be registered in the elite category
- Prize Money paid out to designated team leader, $500
Open Category
To be announced
Age Group Awards
Age Group Awards
Awards provided by Fleet Feet Des Moines!
1st - $20 Gift Card
2nd - $10 Gift Card
3rd - $5 Gift Card
Age Group Categories
19 and under
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70+
Place
Shelter House
Des Moines, IA US 50321
Race Weekend Timeline
Friday 10/2/2025
3-6:00PM Packet Pickup @ Fleet Feet Des Moines
Saturday 10/3/2025
9-10:00AM - Packet Pickup @ Waterworks Park
10:00AM - Course Preview @ Waterworks Park
Sunday 10/4/2025 - Race Day
6:30AM: Course Opens & Packet Pickup Starts
7:50AM: Pre-Race Meeting at the start line + Elite Women Introductions
8:00AM: Open 5K Race + Elite Women's 5k Race
7:35AM: Gates close
8:00AM: Gates open (If available after the Open Race)
8:15AM: Packet Pickup Closes
8:20AM: Pre-Race Meeting at the start line
8:30AM: Men’s Elite 5k Race
8:35AM: Gates close
8:50AM: Gates open
9:00AM: Awards Ceremony - At the Shelter
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
