Lace up your shoes for the City Park parkrun, Iowa, a fantastic opportunity to join the vibrant running community on April 25, 2026, in Iowa City, IA. This free, weekly 5K event welcomes participants of all ages and abilities, whether you prefer to walk, jog, or run the scenic route. The course itself is a accurately measured 5000m double out-and-back, running entirely on permanent, paved paths alongside the river, offering a "fairly flat" and smooth experience with minimal elevation changes. You might even spot pelicans near the starting area, adding to the picturesque scenery. With typical race day conditions in late April seeing highs around 65F and lows around 42F, and only a 16% chance of precipitation, it promises to be a pleasant morning for an outdoor activity.

City Park parkrun distinguishes itself as a truly inclusive and community-driven event, entirely organized by enthusiastic volunteers. Since its inauguration on April 2, 2022, it has become a beloved fixture, fostering a friendly atmosphere where personal bests are celebrated, and no one ever finishes last thanks to the dedicated "tailwalker" volunteer. The course is also notably stroller and dog-friendly, making it a perfect outing for the whole family (dogs must be on a short, handheld lead).

The start and finish lines are conveniently located on the path by the entrance to Lot-3 at City Park, with ample parking and restrooms available nearby. After crossing the finish line, the camaraderie continues with a cherished post-parkrun coffee tradition at Bread Garden Market, where participants can share stories and connect. Remember to register just once with parkrun and bring your scannable barcode to get your official time at this engaging 5K event.