RCC Run the Woods 2026 — Earlham, IA

Prepare to battle the earth itself in this amazing 4-mile trail gauntlet that chews up runners and spits out warriors. You’ll charge through mud that grips your shoes like quicksand, grind up relentless hills that feel never-ending, and scramble over rugged terrain where every step tests your balance and grit. Soaked to the bone from creek crossings and water trenches, you’ll emerge into cow-pie filled pastures with no shade and no mercy - just raw, open land daring you to break from the pack. The trail snakes through twisted roots, loose rock, aging leaves and hidden dips designed to trip up the timid. This isn’t just a race, it’s a full-body fistfight with nature. Just kidding, it’s really fun, you’ll love every brutal second of it. Think you’ve got anything left in the tank? Time to prove it. After you cross the finish line, step up to the bar for our infamous pull-up challenge where grit meets gravity. For every rep you knock out, we’ll slash 30 seconds off your final race time. It’s your chance to claw your way up the leaderboard, one pull-up at a time. Iowa Machine Shed will be dishing out their signature beef stew, and B-Bop’s will keep the fire going with hot chili, served fresh after the finish.