
Wapsi Wiggle - A 5K & Half Marathon
Wapsi Wiggle offers a scenic out-and-back half marathon on a paved trail through Iowa's farmland.
Race Date
Aug 1, 2026
Location
Riceville, IA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, August 1, 2026
- Location
- Riceville, Iowa
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 19
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Wapsi Wiggle Half Marathon, first run in 2025, invites runners to a unique out-and-back course starting from the WGWL Trailhead & Welcome Center in Riceville, Iowa. This timed event takes participants along a paved trail, winding through picturesque farmland, serene woods, and restored prairie landscapes.
With an elevation gain and loss of approximately 0 feet, the course is designed to be a flat and fast challenge. Runners can expect a typical race-day temperature between 63–80°F, making it a comfortable environment for achieving personal bests. The event also includes a 5K Run/Walk and a free kids' fun run, fostering a family-friendly atmosphere.
Post-race, participants can enjoy an all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast. A portion of the proceeds benefits a local charity, adding a community-focused element to this well-supported event.
Race-provided description
Race Features Timed training half marathon starting at 6:30 A.M. Half is an out and back starting at the WGWL Trailhead & Welcome Center - 110 East Main Street Riceville IA 50466. Medals for 1st and 2nd place overall male and overall female finishers. Timed 5K Run/Walk starting at 8 A.M. 5K route is out and back starting at the WGWL Trailhead & Welcome Center Medals for first and second place male and female finishers in their age category. Age categories are: Under 18, 18-25, 26-35, 36-49, 50-64, 65+. Kids free ½ mile Fun Run approx. 8:45 A.M. No fee or registration required. For children 10 years and younger. Free all you can eat pancakes with sausage for registered participants. $7 all you can eat pancakes and sausage for non-registered participants; $3 for kids (4/under) 7:30 A.M. – 10:00 A.M. in the lower level of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (one block SE from the WGWL Trailhead/race start/finish line). Same-Day registration will be available on Saturday, August 2nd 5:45-6:25 A.M. $50 for Training Half Marathon. 6:30-7:55 A.M. $30 for 5K
Races take place on a paved trail that takes you through farmland, woods and restored prairie. A portion of the event proceeds goes to a local charity. This year's charity is the Little Cats Daycare. Visit wgwltrail.com for other events like the Border Bike - The Official Interstate Bike Ride to MN and Beyond https://borderbike.wgwltrail.com/ USATF Certified & Sanctioned IronHorse Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K http://ironhorse.wgwltrail.com/ Fat Tire to McIntire https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/IA/Riceville/FatTiretoMcIntire
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, August 1, 2026
Start Time
6:30 AM
Start Location
110 East Main Street, Riceville, IA, 50466
Course Info
Course Type
Out & Back
Terrain
road
Scenery
Rural, Park
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
1 year running
~21 finishers a year
small race — neutral
0% returning runners
3 timing sources
runners from 2 states
winner 1:31:21
typical high 80°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
63°
Afternoon (High)
80°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
74%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 19 finishers actually crossed the line across 1 year.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
19
Median time
2:09:40
Latest turnout
19
States
2
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the Wapsi Wiggle - A 5K & Half Marathon?
The Wapsi Wiggle - A 5K & Half Marathon is held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, starting at 6:30 AM.
Where does the Wapsi Wiggle - A 5K & Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Riceville, Iowa.
What distances does the Wapsi Wiggle - A 5K & Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K.
Is the Wapsi Wiggle - A 5K & Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Wapsi Wiggle - A 5K & Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, out & back course.
How many people run the Wapsi Wiggle - A 5K & Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 19 runners who have completed the Wapsi Wiggle - A 5K & Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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