Swiss Valley Trail Run

Swiss Valley Trail Run is held in Peosta, Iowa, on October 3, 2026. Three trail distances share the day: a 50K (31 miles), a 25K (about 15.5 miles) and a 5.2-mile race, all run in the Swiss Valley area.

Eastern Iowa is hillier than most people expect, and the valley setting in the name suggests the trails will include short, steep grades rather than long flat stretches. The 5.2-mile race is an accessible first trail race and works well for families or as a warm-up for the longer fields, the 25K is a good goal for runners who have completed a trail half marathon and want to add distance, and the 50K is a first-ultra distance for anyone with a marathon behind them. Prepare with 10 to 12 weeks for the shorter races and 16 weeks with back-to-back long runs for the 50K, and include hill sessions in either case. Early October usually brings cool, comfortable running weather in this part of the Midwest.