Kewash Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K

Join us on April 25th 2026 for the 13th annual Kewash Trail Run—and for the first time ever, we're going the full distance! The Kewash Marathon makes its debut in 2026, giving runners the chance to tackle 26.2 miles along the scenic Kewash Trail.

Whether you're chasing a PR or just out for a fun, supported run, we’ve got a distance for everyone:
🏃‍♂️ Marathon (NEW!)
🏃‍♀️ Half Marathon
🏃 10K
🏃 5K

The Kewash Trail offers a fast, non-technical out-and-back course with a mix of gradual inclines, declines, and flat stretches—perfect for first-timers and seasoned runners alike.

All participants will receive:
👕 Race shirt (short sleeve for 5K/10K; long sleeve option for Half/Full Marathon)
🏅 Finisher medal
🍻 Post-race drink ticket (21+)
📷 Free race photos available for download after the race

Register today and join us for this exciting new chapter in Kewash history!

What events will the Kewash Marathon Weekend offer?
The Kewash Half Marathon Weekend offers the Kewash Marathon, Kewash Half Marathon, Kewash 10K and Kewash 5K. 
All events will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025
National Anthem - 7:50 a.m.
Final Pre-Race Announcements - 7:55 a.m.
Start of Marathon, Half Marathon - 8:00 a.m. 
Start of 5k, 10k - 8:15 a.m.
9am-11am: Post-race activities. Food and beverage trucks and games!

Are the event courses certified and where are the maps?
The Half Marathon (#IA19005MF) is USATF certified. All races will begin and finish at 207 W Main St.

Are there finisher medals?
Yes, finishers of the races will receive a medal.

Will pacers be provided for the Marathon and Half Marathon?
We are pleased to again offer pacers for the half marathon.

Are there time limits for the Marathon and Half Marathon?
Yes. The Half marathon has a 3 1/2 hour time limit.

May I use an iPod or other device for music?
iPod or other music devices are allowed but we ask that you stay safe and aware by keeping volumes at a low level in case of emergency. Rule 144.3 of USA Track and Field enables race directors to choose to allow the use of headphones by runners in non-championship races. The only exception to this new rule is that those elite athletes competing for money are not allowed to use iPods or music devices.

Where do I pick up my bib number and race packet?
Packet pickup is located at the YMCA, 520 W 5th St, from 12-7pm on Friday and at the start/finish area 6:00am- 7:30 am Race Day.

Can a friend pick up my Participant Race Packet?
Yes, just bring a copy of your friend's race confirmation, or a copy of their driver's license.

Can I run in a different race than I registered for?
Yes, however you must adjust your race prior to the close of Friday evenings packet pickup. To switch to a longer event, participants will be credited what they've already paid toward the current price of the distance they wish to run and pay the remaining balance. No money will be refunded for changing to a shorter event. 

What if I am not able to participate?  Are refunds or deferrals available?
There will be no deferrals or refunds, you may, however, transfer you registration to another runner.
Race entry fees are non-refundable and non-deferrable for any reason including injury, pregnancy, schedule changes or family emergencies. Sorry, no exceptions. This means once the Kewash Half Marathon receives and accepts the athlete’s race entry, the race will not issue a refund, transfer, or deferral if the athlete cannot participate on race day. Refunds will not be issued if the event is cancelled because of inclement weather, natural disaster, threat of terrorism, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Race Transfers:
Runners may transfer to another participant through RunSignup.com for a $10 fee up until a week prior to race day. Participants may change to a longer distance for the price difference at date of transfer. Moving to a shorter distance is no charge and can be done through race day.

​Are baby joggers, strollers, roller blades, or bicycles allowed in any event?
Baby joggers are allowed in the 5K & 10K.
Participants with baby joggers must start at the back of the field for safety.
Racing wheelchairs are allowed on the course; there are no racing wheelchairs or handcycle divisions.
Only registered participants are allowed on the courses. Anyone participating without a bib is subject to potential removal from the course.

Can I run with my dog?
Dogs are NOT allowed in any of the race distances. This is new to the 2024 year due to safety reasons.

May I exchange my event shirt for a different size?
Yes, shirts may be exchanged after the race, if we have additional sizes available.

What is the course elevation and terrain like?
The course is fairly flat. Paved streets in town and on the first few miles of the trail. Crushed limestone makes up the remaining portion of the trail. There is a block in town that is a brick street.

Will there be aid stations, medical and port-o-lets on the course?
Each water station will contain water & Gatorade. Aid stations will NOT offer chews, gels, etc. - we encourage you to race with the products you've trained with. There will be two porta potties on the Half Marathon course and a park bathroom on the 5k route.

Will GU be offered on the course?
No. Water and Gatorade will be available at multiple spots along the course. We encourage participants to use the nutrition they trained with.

Dodici Suites
(close to start/finish line)
122 S. Iowa Ave.
Washington, IA 52353
(319) 653-4012
Website

Riverside Casino
(approx. 25 min. away)
3184 IA-22
Riverside, IA 52327
(319) 648-1234
Website

Due to the race start and finish line location, we have to take local businesses and their customers into consideration when it comes to parking. Please see the map below on where runners and those cheering on runners should park to be courteous of local businesses and their customers. There will also be signs located in front of businesses and parking lots regarding parking.

Key: 

Pink = NO PARKING/Race Route

Blue= Kewash Runner Parking

Orange= Business Parking Only

MARATHON ROUTE COMING SOON!

Half Marathon

Runners will head north and complete a 1.5 mile loop through the north side of town before heading back down through our downtown area. Exiting downtown, runners will race along West Washington Street and enter Sunset Park where they will continue straight and then take a right to run out onto W Main Street. Runners will continue on Main until they reach the Kewash trailhead. Runners will continue on the Kewash Trail until about 7.25 miles, at which they will turnaround and head back on the trail towards Sunset Park. (About 5 miles into the half marathon, the trail will transition from pavement to crushed limestone this will continue until about mile 9 when runners join back onto the paved part of the trail.) Leaving the trail onto W Main Street runners will continue back into Sunset Park and out onto W Washington Street which they will follow back into the downtown area to the finish!

There is one small hill about 0.5 miles into the race and then a short incline once on the trail. Water stops equipped with Gatorade and candy will be at approximately miles 2.5, 5.5, 6.3, 7.8, 9 & 11.8. There will be a restroom available at approximately miles 2.5, 6.3, 7.8 & 11.8.

10K

Runners will head north and complete a 1.5 mile loop through the north side of town before heading back down through our downtown area. Exiting downtown, runners will race along West Washington Street and enter Sunset Park where they will take a left and run clockwise around the entirety of the park. Runners will exit the park onto W Main Street where they will meet up with the Kewash trailhead. Runners will continue on the paved section of the Kewash trail until about mile 4 where they will turn around and head back on the trail towards Sunset Park. Leaving the trail onto W Main Street runners will continue until they hit S F Ave, there they will continue until they are back onto W Washington Street in which they will follow back into the downtown area to the finish!

There is one small hill about 0.5 miles into the race, another hill at about mile 2 in Sunset Park, and then a short incline once on the trail. Water stops will be at approximately miles 2, 3 & 5. There will be a restroom available at approximately miles 3 & 5.

5K

Runners will head north and complete a 1.5 mile loop through the north side of town before heading back down through our downtown area. Exiting downtown, runners will race along West Washington Street and enter Sunset Park where they will take a left and run clockwise around the entirety of the park. Runners will exit the park onto W Main Street where they will continue until they hit S F Avenue, there they will continue until they are back onto W Washington Street in which they will follow back into the downtown area to the finish!

There is one small hill about 0.5 miles into the race, then another hill at about mile 2 in Sunset Park. The water stop will be located at mile 2.