The Blazing 5k
About this race
Welcome to the fastest 5k in the Midwest!
Event doubles as the USATF Iowa Road 5k State Championship.NEW in 2026, Team Competitions! See information below.
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
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
Join fellow runners on October 4, 2026 for the The Blazing 5k. It's a fantastic 5K featuring a flat and fast course in Des Moines.
Pick your distance
Running
Open 5K Race (No cutoff time)
Elite Female 5k Race (Cutoff 20:00)
Elite Male 5k Race (Cutoff 16:30)
Weather Overview
These values represent the 6-year monthly averages for October in Des Moines.
About Des Moines
The Blazing 5k takes place in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. The local timezone is America/Chicago.
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🏃 Plan Your Next Race in Des Moines
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- Des Moines Running Calendar 2026 See all upcoming race dates.
Race information has been sourced from the event's official website and other publicly available resources. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website directly. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, don't hesitate to reach out to us by email.
