We all belong at the starting line.

First-timers, experts, adults, youth – the Girls on the Run 5K helps you Celebrate Your Start! From start to finish, our programs foster an environment where all girls are welcome to Experience the Joy, and the same applies to the 5K Celebration. 

Throughout the Fall season, girls united as a team to set goals, learn new life skills, build confidence, and more. And now, it’s time for us to follow our girls’ lead and celebrate these achievements together as a community.

Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026

Time: 12:30PM Fun Zone Activities, 2PM 5K start

Location: Principal Park, 1 Line Dr. Des Moines, IA 50309

*5K activities will take place in the North parking lot.

Follow us on social media channels at Girls on the Run of Central Iowa (@GOTRCIA) for important updates and behind-the-scenes fun! Tag us in your photos at the event and use the hashtag #GOTRCIA5K to Celebrate Your Start!

Packet Pick-Up

Packet Pick-up is for 5K Buddies and Community Runners only. Coaches and GOTR Participants DO NOT need to attend packet pick-up. At packet pick-up, 5K participants will receive their race bib and t-shirt. You are able to pick-up packets for other 5K participants.

Friday, November 6 from 4-6PM and Saturday, November 7 from 9-11AM at the Wellmark YMCA (501 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309).

Sunday, November 8 starting at 12:30PM at Principal Park

Additional exclusive GOTR merchandise will also be available for purchase during above timeframes - including custom GOTR Squishies! Limited quantities of merchandise available.

5K Registration

Still need to register a 5K Buddy? You can do so here!

NOW-November 5: Regular Fee $30

November 6-8: Day-of-Fee $35

Reminder: GOTR participants and coaches are already registered for this event.

Race Day Timeline

Here's your guide to a fun and successful 5K day!

12:30PM - Fun Zone and Race Day Packet Pick-Up Opens

1:50PM - Warm-up with Nikki Russell of Aptitude Fitness

1:55PM - National Anthem performed by Miss Polk County, McKenzie Kerry

2:00PM - 5K START!

Parking

Parking is available around Principal Park and will take place at various downtown lots and parking garages. View available public parking options here. Enter Principal Park's address, 1 Line Dr. to view all public parking locations. Be sure to arrive in plenty of time and account for heavy traffic!

Site Map

5K activites will take place in the North parking lot at Principal Park. No parking will be allowed in this lot - please plan accordingly. 

Restrooms

Port-o-lets will be located in the North lot of Principal Park as shown on the map below.

Meeting/Starting Information

GOTR Participants, 5K Buddies and Coaches should plan to meet their team at their designated team flag. Coaches will have bibs for themselves and the GOTR participants. Flags will be located in the Team Zone.

5K Buddies will report to the starting line with their GOTR participant and their team. 5K Buddies need to get their 5K bib from a packet pick-up.

5K Route

The 5K will start and finish at Principal Park from the North parking lot. 

Additional Race Day Information

The race is not officially timed. If you would like an exact time make arrangements to use a timing device.

Additional food items and merchandise will be available for purchase at the 5K event.

There is no seating at Principal Park for spectators. If you need seating, please bring a lawn chair.

For additional FAQs please click here.

Cheer Signs

If you purchased a customized cheer sign, they will be placed on the 5K course on November 8. Cheer signs will be available for pick-up from the registration tent at the 5K starting at 3:30PM. After the 5K they will be available for pick-up from the Wellmark Y starting Monday, November 9 until Monday, November 30.

STAR POWER IN ACTION!

Join us in a council-wide Community Impact Project by putting your STAR POWER into action! 5K participants across our council will write notes filled with positivity, encouragement and kindness to share throughout our local communities after our Fall season is complete. By sharing our words and lifting others up, we're showing that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference. Together, we're using our STAR POWER to help everyone shine! 

Have an idea for a local business, organization, or community group that could use a little extra kindness? Share your suggestion at the Community Impact Project (CIP) area in the Fun Zone at the 5K to help us spread our STAR POWER throughout Central Iowa!

Can’t make it to the big day? You can activate your Star Power in another way! Consider donating to ensure future GOTR girls have access to our transformational programming. We appreciate your generosity!

Girls on the Run of Central Iowa is a program powered by the YMCA of Greater Des Moines.