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Wapsi Wiggle - A 5K & Half Marathon

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

PR FriendlyBeginner Friendly

Atmosphere

Local CommunityParty FinishGreat Post RaceWell Organized

Course

Fast FlatShaded

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

Directions

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

5K

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage2/20

1 year running

Size7/15

~21 finishers a year

Momentum3/5

small race — neutral

Loyalty0/20

0% returning runners

Course & details3/15

3 timing sources

National draw2/10

runners from 2 states

Front-pack speed1/5

winner 1:31:21

Weather0/10

typical high 80°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (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

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:30p50 median ≈ 2:052:50
See full results

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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