Trail of the Dragon 50K/50mile Run 2026 — Ida Grove, IA

Please join us for the running of the Trail of the Dragon! This run will take place along with the Moorehead Park Trail Mazathon. Course will consist of 10 mile loops on single track dirt and mowed meadow through the rolling hills of our beautiful historic park. Participants can expect challenging hills and beautiful scenery while running well-marked and maintained trails. You will be running on some old stage coach trails past the first homestead which served as the stage coach stop, church and doctor/hospital. Pay your respects as you visit the cemetery of our first settlers and run past a one room school house. This race will consist of 10 mile loops with the option of signing up for the 50k, which will consist of three 10 mile loops with a 1 mile out and back; or the 50 Mile option which will consist of five 10 mile loops. Finisher medals will be awarded to all finishers. If you view the course map you will see that it shows the elevation as around 600 ft. of climb. This information is not correct. The actual elevation is around 1000 ft. of climb per loop. There will be a designated spot for drop bags at the start/finish line and at the mid-way aid station. Please mark your bag with your bib number. There are no water crossing but depending on the amount of dew on the ground your shoes will get wet going through the meadows. If you are a 50 mile participant and plan to carry a flash light or head lamp we will have a drop box for these at the mid-way station and we will return them to the start/finish drop area for you to pick up when you are finished. There will be 2 fully stocked and manned aid stations on the loop. One at the start/ finish line and the other one at around mile 5. To help quench your thirst the aid stations will offer water HAMMER HEED. You are required to carry your own device for your liquids, THE AID STATIONS WILL NOT BE STOCKED WITH DRINKING GLASSES!!! Because of the possibility of high temperatures on race day you will not be allowed on the course without a device to hold liquids. As far as nutritional items are concerned we will carry a wide variety of items which may include but are not limited to...pb&j sandwiches, trail mix, pickles, pickle juice, pretzels, cookies, salty potatoes, freeze pops, bananas, ext...... WE WILL NOT HAVE ANY DRINKING GLASSES! There will also be three unmanned water stations along the loop. They will be located at around miles 2, 4, and 8. These stations will supply water only. THERE WILL NOT BE DRINKING GLASSES! Packet pick-up will be at the Conservation Center at Moorehead Park from 4-8pm on Friday, July 31, 50 MILE PARTICIPANTS can pick up your packet from 5-5:30am on race day. We will have a short meeting at 5:45 and your run will start promptly at 6:00am. 50K PARTICIPANTS can pick up your packets from 5-6:30am on race day. We will have a short meeting at 6:45 and your run will start promptly at 7:00am. Please arrive to the race site early enough to give yourself plenty of time to be prepared for your designated start time! In order to help you prepare for your run and perhaps meet and mingle with fellow runners and volunteers we will offer a pasta meal at packet pick-up. The meal will be available from 5:30-7:30 on Friday July 31at the conservation center. This will be a FREE WILL DONATION! If you would like you can bring along your favorite beverage to enjoy. We will provide water and ice tea. This event will run in conjunction with the Moorehead Park Trail Mazathon. All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Ida County Conservation Foundation. The Foundations mission is dedicated to fostering relationships between residents and our natural world. Your registration fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. If you are looking for lodging accommodations here are some options.....Super 8 Motel #712-364-3988 or Castle Town Innl #712-364-3317. Both of these are located in Ida Grove and are within two miles of the park. Boulders Inn & Suites #712-368-6200 located in Holstein, IA. approximately 11 miles away or Boulders in Lake View, IA #712-665-2660 around 20 miles. If you are looking to camp there is primitive camping available a Moorehead Park, no electrical hook-ups. Cobb Park is a small camping area located across the highway from the park and offers electrical hook-ups and hot showers. Crawford Creek Recreational Area is located outside of Battle Creek, IA. approximately 15 miles from Moorehead Park. It offers electrical hook-ups and hot showers. They also have cabins to rent and can be reserved on line at my county parks or by calling the Ida County Conservation Office at #712-364-3300.