Lewis & Clark Marathon, 1/2 Marathon, 5k and 1-Mile Fun Run
About this race
Lewis & Clark Marathon
April 24, 2027 | Council Bluffs, Iowa
Step into history and begin your next chapter at the inaugural Lewis & Clark Marathon. Featuring a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, and Kids 1-Mile Fun Run, this unique event blends scenic riverfront running with one of America's most historic landscapes.
The course follows a combination of paved roads and paved recreational trails, taking runners along the banks of the mighty Missouri River, around beautiful Lake Manawa, and through the heart of historic downtown Council Bluffs.
Along the way, participants will experience landmarks that helped shape our nation's story, including the Historic General Dodge House, Council Bluffs Union Station, the Golden Spike Monument, portions of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, and the historic Mormon Trail, where the Mormon Battalion assembled before the westward migration.
Designed as a fast course, runners will enjoy mostly flat terrain with gentle rolling hills that provide just enough variety while remaining ideal for personal bests.
The Marathon follows a scenic loop course, while the Half Marathon, 5K, and Kids Fun Run feature easy-to-follow out-and-back routes.
Whether you're chasing a personal record, completing your first race, or simply looking for an unforgettable destination event, the Lewis & Clark Marathon offers a one-of-a-kind experience where history, community, and the spirit of exploration come together.
Race Distances
Marathon (26.2 Miles)
Half Marathon (13.1 Miles)
5K
Kids 1-Mile Fun Run
Come discover the Missouri Valley.
Run where explorers, pioneers, presidents, dreamers... and now you begin the next chapter.
Pick your distance
Running
Marathon
Marathon – 26.2 Miles Complete the full Lewis & Clark Marathon journey. The Marathon is the ultimate test of endurance, commitment, and determination. Runners will experience a historic course through the Missouri Valley, along the Missouri River, around Lake Manawa, and through the heart of historic Council Bluffs. Every marathon finisher will receive a premium finisher medal, custom technical race shirt, and a complete race-day goodie bag celebrating your accomplishment. Whether you are chasing a personal record, completing your first marathon, or embracing a personal challenge, the Lewis & Clark Marathon is a journey you will remember for a lifetime.
1/2 Marathon
Half Marathon – 13.1 Miles Half the distance. The full experience. The Half Marathon offers runners the opportunity to experience the history, scenery, and community of the Lewis & Clark Marathon course while taking on the challenge of 13.1 miles on this fast out and back course. Participants will enjoy a scenic route through the Missouri Valley and receive a premium finisher medal, custom technical shirt, and complete race-day goodie bag. Your journey starts here.
5k Run
A perfect first step into the Lewis & Clark Marathon experience. The 5K welcomes runners, walkers, families, and community members of all experience levels. Whether you are beginning your running journey, supporting a cause, or simply looking for a memorable day with friends and family, this event is for you. All 5K finishers will receive a custom finisher medal, technical race shirt, and race-day goodie bag. Come be part of the first chapter of a new tradition.
Kids 1-Mile Fun Run
Kids 1-Mile Fun Run Where the next generation begins their journey. The Kids Fun Run celebrates the courage, excitement, and joy of young runners taking their first steps toward something bigger. Every young participant receives a finisher medal and a memorable race-day experience designed to make them feel like a true part of the Lewis & Clark Marathon community. Because every great journey begins with a single step.
Race-day daylight
We have no recorded weather for Council Bluffs yet, but sunrise and sunset follow from the venue and the date.
The sun rises at 6:30 AM and sets at 8:12 PM local time (CDT) in Council Bluffs on April 24, 2027 — 13h 42m of daylight.
Course
No course map published yet.
The organizer hasn't released a route for this event, and we don't publish guesses. If you're the organizer, send us a GPX file and we'll draw the profile.
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Other races near Council Bluffs
Different organizers, within 40 miles, in the next three months
Run With A Heart 5k
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Creighton Asda Smiles-For-Miles Run/Walk
Heartland Pride Fun Run/Walk
🏃 Plan Your Next Race in Council Bluffs
Find upcoming events by distance:
- Council Bluffs 5K Races 7 races
- Council Bluffs Half Marathons 2 races
- Council Bluffs Running Calendar 2026 7 races
Where this page comes from. Race details were last updated on . We re-check listings regularly and again in the week before race day.
- Entries, prices, waves and inclusions — the event's official registration page
- Temperature and humidity — Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)
- Elevation and terrain relief — Copernicus DEM GLO-90, ESA (CC BY 4.0)
- Comparisons and counts — Race Discovery calendar, 9 Council Bluffs events
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