Top 5 Reasons to Run Market to Market Relay Iowa
#1 TAKE THE ULTIMATE IOWA RUNNING ROAD TRIP
Round up six to eight friends, load the van and prepare to run, rest and repeat. Market to Market Relay Iowa transforms a team running relay into a day-long road trip packed with costumes, camaraderie, memorable van rides and nonstop encouragement. You’ll begin as teammates and finish with stories you’ll be telling for years.
#2 RACE FROM JEFFERSON TO DES MOINES
Begin near Jefferson’s iconic Bell Tower as the sun comes up and finish together in Downtown Des Moines before the sun goes down. Between those two markets, your team will cover approximately 75 miles and experience an unforgettable journey through the communities, countryside and trails of west-central Iowa.
#3 DISCOVER THE RACCOON RIVER VALLEY TRAIL
The scenic relay course follows sections of the Raccoon River Valley Trail, paved streets and rural gravel roads. Along the way, runners pass rivers, restored bridges, farmland, grain elevators and welcoming Iowa communities. It’s a varied course that captures the landscape and character of central Iowa one stage at a time.
#4 MAKE AN EPIC CHALLENGE ACHIEVABLE TOGETHER
The course is divided into multiple running stages, generally ranging from approximately three to six miles. Most teammates complete about three stages during the day, making this a challenging but achievable adventure for runners with different abilities. Best of all, your entire team reunites to run across the finish line together.
#5 FINISH TOGETHER AT THE DOWNTOWN DES MOINES SHINDIG
After a full day on the road, your entire team will reunite to cross the finish line in Downtown Des Moines. Celebrate at the Post-Race Shindig with food, drinks, music, free team photos and fellow relay runners. Every participant also receives a premium race shirt and earns a bottle-opener finisher medal to remember the adventure.
