Fun Times on a Favorite Trail

Do you have a favorite little home town race? You know, one that keeps you coming back every year?

It's true, I enjoy the big races...with their official timing mats and fancy tech shirts (in gender-specific sizing, none the less). They usually have nice bling and draw a huge crowd, some even have bountiful post-race spreads of food and drink.

But, often times, those big events lack the small town charm the smaller races offer. One such (somewhat) small event that I have done numerous times is the Grimes Farm Run.


This event is a dandy one! I first ran it in 2013, then eagerly returned in 2014, and also in 2015. Running it (again) in 2016 was just a given. Had I not been nine days post-op from that unfortunate surgery last summer, I would have run it also in 2017.

With my friend, Linda, and her daughter, Dani...and our bling from 2013

Located in central Iowa, a few miles south of Marshalltown, is the Grimes Farm Conservatory. Every year, the Grimes family host the Grimes Farm Run (usually the second Saturday in July) and it is always well attended, but not overly crowded.

A great feature about this event is there is something for everyone. There's a kids run, a 1.6-mile  run/walk, a 5K run/walk, and an 8K (approx. 5 miles) run/walk. All events are held on the conservatory's property, which involves limited asphalt trails and lots of grassy, wooded trails through the brush.

from 2016....I usually wear knee socks to ward off potential ticks from sneaking into my shoes

The grassy trails are beautiful, but do present some obstacles. The dew-covered grass is usually slippery, there are numerous tree roots, sloping hills, and plenty of mud when you're in the thick of the forest. Let's not forget the July heat (and subsequent humidity) is always a factor as well. Myself, I like the challenge of running trails such as these. I think it moderately levels the field of competition in that no one has a flat (or straight) surface to do their thing on...you have to step cautiously, and be constantly looking not only forward but also down at your feet to steer clear of the natural debris inherent of a woodland setting.

You  might want to wear an old pair of shoes because they will get dirty

Another feature of the 5K and 8K courses is Mildred's Tower. Situated near the 1-mile point of the route (high atop a hill), every participant has the option of climbing the tower for a bonus door prize. Naturally, that will affect your finish time....but, so what? The tower has three levels, so you don't sacrifice that much racing time by taking on this extra conquest.

doesn't this look like a fun detour?

And, if bling is your thing, this event will give you great odds in taking home some hardware. Not only are there plentiful age group awards (for runners AND walkers), but also overall placings. I have been fortunate to have snagged age group awards every year I've run this (I've always done the 8K).

In 2015, it was a double-bling day...2nd in my age group, and 3rd overall female in the 8K

So, did I pique your interest? Have you ever run a trail race such as this, through the woodland? Care to venture to Iowa and run this with me?

For more information on the Grimes Farm Conservatory, you can check out the website HERE.


**I'm  linking up with Marcia and Patty and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run. We're chatting about favorite local races. Join the conversation!

**I'm also linking this with Debbie and Rachel and Lora for the Running Coaches' Corner.

**And, I'm also linking up with Nicole and Annmarie for the Wild Wednesday Workout

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