River's Edge Trail Half Marathon is a running and walking event held in Eldora, Iowa on September 26, 2026. The half marathon starts at 7:00 AM from the Eldora Welcome Center & Railroad Museum. Entry fees range from $60 to $80. Whether you're running or walking the 13.1-mile distance, plan to base yourself in Eldora for race weekend. The early start time means an overnight stay allows you to rest before heading to the venue without rushing from out of town.
From the Race Organizer
Race Overview Enjoy the beautiful Iowa River Greenbelt with this 13.1 mile paved loop beginning in Eldora, taking you along the River's Edge Trail to Steamboat Rock, and coming back to Eldora through the beautiful Pine Lake State Park. The race will start and end at Memorial Park on the east side of Eldora located near the Welcome Center. We will be donating the proceeds from the run to the continued progress on the River’s Edge Trail. Be greeted by our small town charm along the route and at the start and finish line. Your fans will have numerous opportunities to cheer you on along the way, while you will be able to enjoy some beautiful views as well. Enjoy post race refreshments and a warm breakfast of pancakes and sausage served fresh after you finish in Memorial Park. *NOTE: Those who register after 9/8/26 will not be guaranteed a race shirt and swag bag items. We have a limited amount of extra shirts ordered that will be available to late registrants on a first-come first-serve basis. You may email the race organizers for more information. Packet Pick-Up Packet pick-up options will be available on Friday evening and the morning of the race. Those registered will receive an email leading up to the race with details on the time and place of packet pick up. Start Times For those who choose to exclusively walk the half marathon course, you will begin at 7 am. All runners and run/walkers will begin at 8 am. Parking Parking will be available at the start/finish area for participants and spectators just west of the park in the Hardin County Fair Grounds. Park Street will be closed for the safety of all participating. You may enter the fair grounds from the west side on 11th Avenue. Bathrooms Restrooms are available at Memorial Park (park restrooms) and in the Welcome Center, both located right near the start/finish area. There will be numerous bathroom opportunities available along the route. Stay tuned for exact locations. Water stations We will have numerous water stops along the route manned by different volunteers and organizations. Stay tuned for a more detailed list of where they will be along the route. Awards All pre-registered finishers (runners and walkers) will receive custom locally crafted wooden finisher medals made right here in Eldora at the Backwoods Gallery. Top award winners will only be awarded to the overall top two male and female finishers, not separated by runners and walkers nor into specific age groups. Post Race Refreshments After the race you can hydrate and refuel with post race grab and go items such as water, gatorade, and chocolate milk, along with bananas and granola bars. Once you are cooled off, head over to the Memorial Park shelter for a warm breakfast of pancakes and sausage cooked fresh by our local Eldora Kiwanis Club. The meal is included in your registration. Spectators and the public are welcome to enjoy a warm meal as well with a freewill donation to the Kiwanis Club.
Hotels Near This Race
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River’s Edge Trail Half Marathon 2026 — Eldora, IA
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for September 26.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Eldora, IA.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is River’s Edge Trail Half Marathon 2026 — Eldora, IA?
River’s Edge Trail Half Marathon 2026 — Eldora, IA takes place on September 26, 2026. The race is held in Eldora, Iowa.
Where is River’s Edge Trail Half Marathon 2026 — Eldora, IA held?
River’s Edge Trail Half Marathon 2026 — Eldora, IA is held at Eldora Welcome Center & Railroad Museum in Eldora, Iowa.
Where can I find hotels near River’s Edge Trail Half Marathon 2026 — Eldora, IA?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Eldora. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
