The Capital Striders were formed in the mid-1980's to promote running in Central Iowa. Things have changed a bit over the last 30+ years, but the Striders have always been there for the elite as well as the beginning runner. 

Officially incorporated in 2003, our main purpose as an organization is to, "Promote and encourage running through the education of the community on the benefits of physical fitness and amateur sport." 

"Running it Forward." we organize and host local running events so that we can put that money back into the local running community, whether that be through updating the trails, adding water fountains, educating the next generation of runners, providing time/space for runners to come together or just overall enhancing the Central Iowa running experience.

We are proud members members of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) and are proud to be a part of Des Moines receiving recognition of 2012 Outstanding Runner Friendly Community.

As a 501 (c)(3) organization we are proud of the donations and money that we put back into the community to encourage physical activity and running. The following is a short list of organizations that the Capital Striders have helped support:

• CITA (Central Iowa Trail Association)

• Iowa Kid Strong/ See Us Run DSM

• 4 Scholarships to High School Seniors

• Des Moines Area Track Club

• Above & Beyond Cancer

• Iowa Core Elite Track Club

• Westside Track Club

• The Salvation Army - Red Kettle Run Sponsor

• The Balloon Challenge Sponsor

• Track Iowa

• Central Iowa Excalibur's Track Club

• Make-A-Wish of Central Iowa

• Drinking fountains around the Greater Des Moines Metro - Des Moines Parks & Rec

• Boys & Girls Club of Iowa

If your organization would like to be considered for donation or sponsorship, please fill out the form on our Resource Request page.

2023 Capital Striders Board of Directors

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