Welcome to the fastest 5k in the Midwest!
2026 RESULTS - Gray’s Lake
2027 marks the 8th annual Blazing 5k. The last 7 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.
The 8th edition of the event date is now taking place on Saturday, October 2nd, 2027. Big announcement coming in the next few weeks.
Prizes:
2027 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
Fleet Feet Back Loop Challenge: $100 + Shoes
5k Course Record Bonus: $100
- Male: Edwin Kurgat - 13:47 (2022)
- Female: Kassie Parker -15:39 (2026)
5k All-Comers Record Bonus: $1000
- Male: Frank Omara - 13:37 (1992)
- Female: Shelly Steely - 15:30 (1992)
2026 Total Purse: $2750 + Shoes (x8 pairs)
2025 Total 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
- Female cutoff 20:00
- Female Free Entry 19:00 or faster
- Feel free to reach out to Tyson Wieland @ Tysonw123@live.com
Team Competitions
Elite Category
Men's Elite Team Competition: $500
- Top 4 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 4 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
- Prize Money paid out to designated team leader, $500
Age Group Awards
Age Group Awards
Awards provided by Fleet Feet Des Moines!
1st - $25 Gift Card
2nd - $15 Gift Card
3rd - $10 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+
Race Weekend Timeline
Friday 10/1/2027
4-6:00PM Packet Pickup @ Fleet Feet Des Moines
Saturday 10/2/2027
6:30AM: Course Opens & Packet Pickup Starts
7:50AM: Men's Elite Pre-Race Meeting at the start line
8:00AM: Men’s Elite 5k Race
8:15AM: Packet Pickup Closes
8:20AM: Open/Stroller + Elite Women Pre-Race Meeting at the start line
8:25AM: Stroller 5k Start
8:30AM: Elite Women's 5k Race
8:30AM: Open 5K Race (10 seconds after elite women start)
9:15AM: Awards Ceremony - Near the finish line
Location
SW Shelter Main Loop
2201 George Flagg Pkwy
Des Moines, IA 50321 US
View Location on Map
