Combine some of Iowa’s most beautiful landscapes with your love of fitness challenges this year. Check out a new page on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website for a list of fitness events held in Iowa’s state parks at www.iowadnr.gov/parksfitnessevents.
The page includes 5Ks, triathlons, marathons and similar events open to the public and scheduled in state parks. Details and additional events will be added as they become available throughout the year.
“This is just another way for Iowans to discover and enjoy our state parks,” says Todd Coffelt, DNR State Parks bureau chief. “What better way than with a run or race in the natural settings our parks provide.”
Coffelt encourages event participants to extend their visit and explore the park with family and friends before or after their race. Iowa state parks have 93 cabins and more than 4,000 campsites for overnight stays. Reservations can be made through the website as well at www.iowadnr.gov/reservations.
Race coordinators or groups who would like to sponsor an event in a state park and be added to this list should start by contacting the individual park office for guidance. Most organized events held in state parks require a special events permit, which must be obtained 30 days in advance of the event.