Lace up your running shoes for the 12th annual Kewash Trail Half Marathon, alongside the newly introduced Marathon distance, 10K, and 5K races, set for Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Washington, IA. This USATF-certified event promises a memorable experience on an out-and-back course celebrated for its fast and non-technical nature, making it ideal for runners chasing a personal best.

Runners will journey along the picturesque Kewash Nature Trail, a former railroad bed featuring a mix of paved asphalt within Washington's city limits and a crushed limestone surface for the majority of the route. The course offers a scenic blend of woodland and prairie, showcasing rolling countryside views, abundant wildlife, and wildflowers. Highlights include Willow Pond, Hayes Timber, and the iconic Crooked Creek Bridge. While largely flat, the course features a gradual decline and incline, with a few small hills to add a touch of challenge. Typical race day conditions in late April bring pleasant highs around 64°F and lows around 40°F, with a minimal 16% chance of precipitation.

Starting and finishing just off the historic town square, the race is known for its friendly, small-town atmosphere and excellent organization, praised by past participants for well-marked courses and enthusiastic volunteers. Aid stations throughout the half marathon course offer water and Gatorade, with restrooms also available. All half marathon finishers will receive a custom medal, and participants can enjoy a post-race celebration featuring food trucks, music, games, and a complimentary beer. Free downloadable race photos capture the memories, and those who conquer the all-time course record could even earn a $1,000 cash prize.