Off To The Races

Loop the Lake

Start your race season right with a fast and flat 8k around Grays Lake in Des Moines.

To Grandmother's House We Go

Enjoy the dirt trails and scenery of Brown's Woods while completing a fun and spooky 5k, 10k, or 15k trail run.

Sycamore 8

Brave the Iowa cold in this 8mi trail run that snakes along the Des Moines river.

Capital Pursuit

Wrap up your summer in late September with the Capital Striders' premiere race through the heart of downtown Des Moines.  

Other Events

The Capital Striders have events nearly every week of the year.  Check out our Events page for more info.

Grandma’s Marathon Deal (We need at least 10 members to get this deal!)

• Registration opens October 1, 2024 (participants must be registered by April 15, 2025)

• 10% off registration fees (full marathon distance ONLY)

• Entry to Running Club starting line tent with exclusive bathrooms and coffee

• Finish line bleacher passes

• Reserved tables at the Michelina’s All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner from 11:00 am- 2:00 pm

• Official Running Club Program bib recognition

How to Register

Running Club Registration Instructions 

1.        Create a Race Roster account or Log in if you already have one by clicking this link: https://raceroster.com/signin

2.        After creating or logging into your Race Roster account, return to this email and click on this registration link: https://raceroster.com/events/2025/93870/2025-grandmas-marathon-weekend-races

3.        Select the race you want to run and complete the registration form.

4.         In the box that says “Enter Promo Code", enter the code: RC25CS and click "Continue To Waiver"

5.        Follow the remaining prompts and you'll be ready to go!

***Cannot be applied retroactively

*** Contact for questions - Alivia@grandmasmarathon.com

Become a member!

Being a Capital Striders member entitles you to many benefits.

Training Programs

The CS group offers comprehensive training and nutrition programs on a weekly and monthly basis.  Their plans intensity range from jump starting the beginner to squeezing the best out of the elite.

Training Groups and Runs

The Capital Striders offer groups dedicated to increasingly popular style of running.  The CS Turkeys enjoy weekly runs through trails (marked and unmarked) through out central Iowa.  And the Run with the Animals group offer weekly runs for beginners and those getting back into shape.

Discounts on Races and Merchandise

CS members receive discounts on all CS races as well as a few other local races!  Likewise members receive discounts at local merchants including: running and fitness stores, massage therapists, chiropractors, and many, many more!

Capital Striders Events

In addition to road and trail races through out the year, The Capital Striders put on an annual awards dinner with a prominent speaker, a summer picnic, and a New Year's day potluck and run.  

Scholarships

Since 1999, the Capital Striders have awarded up to five $1200 scholarships to students in Polk County who are leaders and letter winners on their high school cross country or track teams and have been accepted at a college or university.  Apply Now!

The Capital Striders Leadership team operates under a set of ByLaws and maintains a proper Code of Conduct.