IN THE NEWSLETTER
IMT Des Moines • Support the Next Generation of Runners • Two Weeks Until To Grandmother's House We Go • Volunteer for the IMT Marathon • Trail Alert • 100 Miles in November • Sycamore 8 • Tell Us About You • CS Turkeys Trail • Iowa Race Calendar • Sponsors
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Good luck to all the Capital Striders running IMT Des Moines this weekend!
The early mornings, long training runs, and countless miles have brought you to race day. Trust your training, embrace the course energy, and enjoy every mile!
Whether you're chasing a personal best, conquering a new distance, or simply running for the love of it, we're cheering you on every step of the way.
Wishing you strong legs, happy miles, and a finish line worth celebrating!
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| HELP SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION OF RUNNERS | | |
Hoover High School Cross Country
The future of running starts with our youth! The Hoover High School boys' and girls' cross country teams need our support as they raise funds for new uniforms and pre-race nutrition.
Many of these student-athletes have limited fundraising networks, so support from our local running community matters most.
Capital Striders, let's rally behind the next generation of runners! Every donation, big or small, helps these young athletes reach their goals, both on and off the course.
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| TO GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE WE GO | | |
To Grandmother’s House We Go
Saturday, October 31, 2026
9:00 am
Brown’s Woods, West Des Moines
5K, 10K, 15k
Lace up for one of Central Iowa’s favorite fall trail races. Whether you're a seasoned trail runner or new to dirt paths, this race delivers the perfect blend of challenge, charm, and community.
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| All runners will receive a thermal running headband and glass. | |
| SATURDAY MORNING GROUP RUN | | |
We're taking a break from our regular Saturday group run due to IMT Des Moines.
We'll be back on Saturday, October 24, at Brown's Woods for a preview of the To Grandmother's House We Go route.
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| IMT DES MOINES VOLUNTEERS | | | | |
Sunday, October 18
Not running this year? Consider volunteering at the Capital Striders water station! It’s a great way to support the runners, stay involved, and be part of the race-day energy. Your encouragement and a cold cup of water can make all the difference out on the course.
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Sign-up is located at the bottom of the webpage. | | TRAIL ALERT: RACCOON RIVER VALLEY TRAIL | | | | |
Attention, rural runners!
Water has been reported over portions of the Raccoon River Valley Trail in two areas of Dallas County:
Perry to Bouton: M Avenue to 128th Place
Bouton to Woodward: Quinlan Avenue to R Avenue
While these stretches are not completely covered by water, runners, walkers, and cyclists should use caution when traveling through these areas.
Stay alert, watch your footing, and remember that wet trail surfaces can be slippery.
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Does the thought of colder weather and winter's approach get you down? Fall is the perfect time to keep moving, enjoy the cooler temperatures, and stay consistent with your running.
The challenge is simple: 100 miles in 30 days, or 3.3 miles a day.
There is no entry fee, and there will be prizes. Everyone is welcome to participate and will be eligible for the weekly prize drawings, with Capital Striders members qualifying for the larger prize drawings.
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Sycamore 8 Trail Run
Saturday, December 5, 2026
9:00 am
4301 NW 66th Ave, Johnston
This hidden gem winds along the Sycamore Trail, a single-track dirt path that runs beside the Des Moines River. Expect about 8 miles of well-groomed, flowing singletrack.
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| WE WANT TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR RUNNING JOURNEY | | THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF WHAT MAKES THE CAPITAL STRIDERS SO SPECIAL! | | Your experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Your story might be featured in the newsletter and on social media. As a thank-you, you will be entered into a drawing for a free race entry (membership required to win). Your journey inspires us, and we look forward to sharing it with the rest of our running community. | |
| CAPITAL STRIDERS' TURKEYS | | | | Love trail running and nature? Join the Capital Striders' Turkeys for group runs on scenic trails, great company, and a supportive community. All paces are welcome! | |
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In addition to the Capital Striders races, there are great races across Iowa year-round.
From small-town fun runs to larger competitive races, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re interested in running events around Iowa, check out the Fitness Sports or Runnerstuff.org race calendars.
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| THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS | | Silver Level ($2,500 - $4,999) | |
| Bronze Level ($1,000 - $2,499) | |
| Sustaining Level ($500 - $999) | |
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Sustaining Members (Current as of October 5, 2026)
Aaron Wheelock • Alan and Mary Gross • Angel Shawda • Ann Flood • Bernie Beck • Brian Benjamin • Bruce Huckfeldt • Carl Voss • Charles and Rusty Snyder • Connor Gronski • Curt Hoegh • Dale Finnegan • Dana Danley • David Kent • David Pullara • Dennis Judd • Dennis Wheeler • Dianne and John Liepa • Duke Reichardt • Elaine Van Dyck • Emily and Nick Webb • Eric Conrad • Frank Hilton • Glen Dippold • Heather Stilborn • Jackie Young • Jason Hahn • Jeff Perry • Joanne Sackett • Julie Schneider • Kathy Bowen • Kevin Cooney • Kristin Adkins • Lambert Blank, Jr. • Melinda Urick • Michael Tiedens • Nathan Wagner • Paul Grinvalds • Paxton Bennett • Rob Semelroth • Ruth Comer • Sara Schwendinger • Sharon Tahtinen • Simon Casady • Steve Halstead • Susanne Kennedy • Tim Schott • Thomas Mcbride • Tod McComb • Todd Schemper • Tyson Wieland
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Becoming a Strider member offers numerous benefits, including weekly emails with running updates and access to a supportive community through social media. Members enjoy race entry discounts, merchant discounts at fitness-related businesses, and exclusive club events. Group training runs provide opportunities to stay motivated and connect with fellow runners.
Annual membership options are $30 for individuals or $50 per family.
Become a sustaining member for an additional $25 per year.
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