Get ready for year 7 of the Yippee-Ki-Yay 50K, Half Marathon and 10K Race

Welcome to the 2026 Yippee-Ki-Yay 50K, Half Marathon, and 10K, held on 10/24/26 on the scenic Wabash Trace Nature Trail, starting and finishing at the Iowa West Foundation Trail Head Park.

Choose your challenge 10K, Half Marathon, or 50K Ultra Marathon and enjoy a fast, flat Rails-to-Trails course surrounded by beautiful Heartland countryside views. This course is unique to the area and is an excellent option for runners looking to:

Add your first Ultra Marathon to your race resume

Chase a personal best on one of the fastest average finisher 50K courses in the Midwest Region!

The Half Marathon has quickly become a favorite, drawing runners from across the country year after year thanks to its smooth trail and picturesque setting.

After crossing the finish line, celebrate your accomplishment with our famous Bonnie’s Country Chicken Noodle Soup, a race-day tradition you won’t forget!

🔥 This event has SOLD OUT the last two years!
To maintain a high-quality experience, the field is limited to just 200 runners, so don’t wait to secure your spot in this must-run event.

Yippee-Ki-Yay 50K • Half Marathon • 10K
📅 Saturday, October 24, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM Start
📍 Council Bluffs, Iowa

**Opening offering ALERT!! To the First 50 (total) Registered Runners you will receive a water bottle and a special edition nutrition bundle created by our good friends at Honey Stinger and will be included in your race packet race weekend. This special has a value of 25.00. It will be a great way to kickoff your race weekend!!
Important Dates:

🧥 Last day to secure a race hoodie: October 1

🏃 Last day to register: October 5

**🧢 New this year! A Yippee-Ki-Yay knit hat will also be available for purchase through our UltraSignup store and distributed at Packet Pickup. 📸 A photo of the hat can be located on the event photos page, and the 🎨 final logo design will be updated by January 31. Final day to order the knit hat will be 4/1/2026

Event Details Location and Start Times:

Start/Finish is at the Iowa West Foundation Trail Head Park
· The 50K (31mile) event starts at 8am
· The Half Marathon event starts at 8:15am
· The 10K race will start at 8:30am

Event Info

· Field limit: 200 runners (50 total 50K spots), (100 Half Marathon Spots), (50 total 10K spots) THIS EVENT WILL SELL OUT!
· Each event will be chip-timed, There will be a 9hr course time limit for the event.
· Trail Conditions: 90% Rail Trail 10% Pavement (50K Course)
· 50K, Half Marathon and 10K courses (see maps link below)
· There will be plenty of great views of the Heartland Countryside!!!
· Aid stations with Water, Honey Stinger Sports drink, Honey Stinger gels & after 10miles Ultra Food for the 50K runners.
· Each course 50K, Half Marathon & 10K is an out and back course completely run on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail
· Race day safety details, Course maps, rules sent via email/athlete guide prior to race day and notification updates as they take place.
**There are no Refunds or Transfers for this event**

Participants receive

**Opening offering ALERT!! To the First 50 (total) Registered Runners you will receive a water bottle and a special edition nutrition bundle created by our good friends at Honey Stinger and will be included in your race packet race weekend and have a value of 25.00. It will be a great way to kickoff your race weekend!!

50K,Half Marathon, 10K Runners will receive: Finisher Medal, Long Sleeve Race light weight hoodie, and more swag to come!

*T-Shirt/hoodie not available after 10/1

Packet Pickup Information

Packet pickup locations for 10/22 and 10/23: Packet Pick up will take place on Thursday 10/22 is TBD and Friday 10/23 at Dick's Sporting Goods Location in Council Bluffs, IA. Times of pick up 3-7pm. There will be NO race day packet pickup.



10/23 Packet Pickup Address 2:
Dick's Sporting Goods
3816 Metro Dr, Council Bluffs, IA 51501

The Course

Each event is run on the Historic Wabash Trace Nature Trail which is a converted Rails to Trail with a very fine crushed limestone surface.

***A portion of every entry fee will also be donated to the Wabash Trace Nature Trail (SWINT).
All prices are prior to tax and processing fees. Entries are non-refundable***

Drop Down Option

There will be a drop-down option for registered 50K runners only to the Half Marathon distance. The runner will not be eligible for award placement regardless if the decision is made during the race or if notified prior to race start however the runner will be recognized as a finisher and able to collect a finishers medal. There are no refunds or credits when dropping down.

*The following will not be permitted on race day by participants: Pets, Runners not wearing race 2025 race bib, baby joggers/strollers, roller skates, roller blades, Skateboards. The trail does not permit the use of motorized vehicles as well.

Social Media follow

Join in on the fun and receive the first to know info with our 2026 Facebook Group

Whether you have just registered and are running your first or you're Alumni of the Yippee-Ki-Yay Races join our private Facebook Training group today. When you do you will be connected with participants for the 2026 event. You can post questions, training photos to help encourage your fellow runners for the upcoming races. This group won't stop there however. We will be scheduling some fun extras within the group so be sure to join.

Yippee-Ki-Yay Races Training Group Facebook group link:
www.facebook.com/groups/254803583395696/

Also, Check out our Instagram @ Yippee_Ki_Yay Races

Awards

Awards:
All races – First, Second and Third place overall awards to each Male and Female in each respective race distance.

"New* 1st and 2 place age group award Male and Female of each race. 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-80

Military Veterans for Special Drawing 2026

We are continuing our special drawing again in 2026!  If you are a Military Veteran and you’re running with us at the 2026 races, be sure to select and answer the Military Veteran question at the time of sign up in the registration page. When you do you will be entered into a special drawing that will be taking place race week this October. This year we are drawing 2 recipients and they will receive a awesome Yippee-Ki-Yay race kit bundle full of great products!

Event's current local time: 1:54 AM CT