You may be in shape for swimsuit season, but can you stay that way? There are plenty of great races throughout the summer that can help keep you in shape while having a little fun, too. Here’s a sampling events that are worth getting sweaty/muddy/ covered in barbecue sauce.
Kosama Warrior Mud Run
May 19. A muddy 5K race featuring 30 obstacles at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, 5051 Dean Ave. $55. Go to sleepyhollowraceplace.com.
Dam to Dam
June 2. Iowa’s Distance Classic returns for its 33rd run beginning at the Saylorville Dam. The 20K race is already sold out, but 5K and youth run spots are still available. Go to damtodam.com.
Mud Run
June 9. Compete in 5K and one-mile runs through obstacles and the “Mucky Mud Pit” at James Cownie Soccer Complex, 2600 Hartford Ave. 5K registration $25 through June 4, $30 June 5-7, $35 on-site. Fun run $15 through June 4, $20 after and on-site. Go to iowagames.org.
Iowa Games Triathlon
July 8. One-fourth of a mile swim, 13 miles of biking and 5K run starting at Easter Lake Park, 2830 Easter Lake Drive. $35 through June 25, $40 June 26-July 2. No on-site entries accepted. Go to iowagames.org.
Kosama Warrior Water Run
July 14. A water-focused 5K race featuring a number of obstacles at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park. $35 before July 1, $45 after. Go to sleepyhollowraceplace.com.
Devour Des Moines
Aug. 4. Combining a two-mile run, five-mile bike ride and a swim with competitive eating of local food. Race starts at el Bait Shop, 200 S.W. Second St. Go to devourdesmoines.org.
Aspen Warrior Fire Run
Aug. 25. A fire-centric 5K with more than 30 obstacles at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park. $45 before Aug. 1, $55 after. Go to sleepyhollowraceplace.com.
