Welcome to the fastest 5k in the Midwest! Event doubles as the USATF Iowa Road 5k State Championship. NEW in 2026, Team Competitions! See information below. 2025 RESULTS 2026 marks the 7th annual Blazing 5k. The last 6 years have welcomed elites and runners of all types. The 5k course starts on the back loop in Water Works Park and shoots out the gun going clockwise on the flat and fast loop. At the end of the loop the racers are greeted by a prize for the first person to cross the mat. From there it's another flat and fast main loop going clockwise. This area offers plenty of space for spectators and the field can be seen for almost the entirety of this loop. It finishes on the screaming fast and long straightaway to the finish. USATF Certified Course: IA21006MF The 7th edition of the event date is now taking place on October 4th, 2025. Prizes: 2026 Prize Structure: See Below Overall 1st M/F : $300 + Shoes Overall 2nd M/F: $200 + Shoes Overall 3rd M/F: $100 + Shoes Overall 4th M/F: $75 Overall 5th M/F: $50 Beyond Recovery Halfway Premium: $100 + Shoes 5k Course Record Bonus: $100 Male: Edwin Kurgat - 13:47 (2022) Female: Kassie Parker -15:46 (2024) 5k All-Comers Record Bonus: $TBD Male: Frank Omara - 13:37 (1992) Female: Shelly Steely - 15:30 (1992) 2025 Total Planned Purse: $3150 + Shoes (x8 pairs) 2024 Total Purse: $3350 + Shoes (8xpairs) 2023 Total Purse: $3540 + 8 pairs of free shoes + Coeur Gear (Women's Winner) 2022 5k Prize Purse: $2100 +shoes 2021 Blazing 5k Prize Purse: $1750 + shoes 2021 10k Invite Prize Purse: $2250 + shoes + gear 2020 Prize Purse: $600 + shoes + gift cards Elites: Male cutoff 16:30 Male Free Entry 14:45 or faster Free Entry Sign Up Opens 4/14/2026 Female cutoff 20:00 Female Free Entry 19:00 or faster Free Entry Sign Up Opens 4/14/2026 Feel free to reach out to Tyson Wieland @ Tysonw123@live.com
Age Group Awards Awards provided by Fleet Feet Des Moines! 1st - $20 Gift Card 2nd - $10 Gift Card 3rd - $5 Gift Card Age Group Categories 19 and under 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70+
| Distance | Price | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5K | $15.00 | Nov 11 | Jan 1 |
| $20.00 | Jan 1 | Mar 2 | |
| $25.00 | Mar 2 | Aug 3 | |
| $30.00 | Aug 3 | Sep 7 | |
| $35.00 | Sep 7 | Sep 21 | |
| $40.00 | Sep 21 | Oct 4 |
Interested in this race?