Whiterock Ultra
About the race
Join us on Saturday, July 24 at the Whiterock Conservancy in Coon Rapids, Iowa, for the 9th running of the Whiterock Ultra. All race-day activities will be held on the trails of the scenic and sprawling Whiterock Conservancy.
Whiterock is a 5,500-acre nonprofit land trust nestled along seven miles of the Middle Raccoon River Valley. This hidden gem in central Iowa has 40+ miles of scenic trails and balances sustainable agriculture, natural resource protection and public recreation on the landscape.
Our goal is to raise visibility for the beauty and accessibility of Whiterock and to support its conservancy efforts. Proceeds from the race are donated back to Whiterock Conservancy each year.
Awards
Custom awards to the top 3 finishers (male & female) for the 50K and 50 mile. All finishers will receive a unique and memorable award.
Driving directions
Whiterock Ultra is about an hour from Des Moines, and 1.5 hours from Omaha, making it easily accessible for runners looking for a scenic race with an easy drive to and from.
Whiterock Conservancy
1314 Fig Avenue
Coon Rapids, IA 50058
From Des Moines
From the I35/I80, take exit 127 for Highway 141. Take 141 North until you reach Fig Ave [ N56]. Turn left (south) on Fig Ave [N56] for two miles until you come to a bridge. Turn left (east) into the River Campground (start/finish) just before the bridge.
From I80 East
Take exit 60 onto US 71 N in Pymosa. Turn right onto US-71 N for 12.7 miles to IA 44 East. Turn right onto IA 44 East for 9.4 miles to Chestnut Road.
Turn left (north) onto Chestnut Road for 13.8 miles and continue onto State Highway 73 for a little over 1 mile to IA-141 East. Turn right onto IA-141 E and follow signs for Whiterock Conservancy and the River Campground (start/finish).
From I80 West
Take exit 60 onto US 71 N in Pymosa. Turn left onto US-71 N for 12.7 miles to IA 44 East. Turn right onto IA 44 East for 9.4 miles to Chestnut Road.
Turn left (north) onto Chestnut Road for 13.8 miles and continue onto State Highway 73 for a little over 1 mile to IA-141 East. Turn right onto IA-141 E and follow signs for Whiterock Conservancy and the River Campground (start/finish).
Where to stay
Whiterock offers a variety of overnight accommodations. There are cabins for rent, two bed and breakfasts within 15 minutes drive, or you can camp for a small fee onsite at the race start/finish line. Consider staying for the weekend to enjoy the park and spend time with your running friends.
Additional lodging is available 25 miles away. Restaurants are nearby about 8 miles away.
Cancellation policy
No refunds or rollovers will be allowed after Thursday, June 24, 2027, which is 30 days prior to race day. Transfers (the transfer of your bib to another runner) will be allowed until Saturday, July 10, 2027.
The course
50 Miles
50K
The race takes place on the trails of the Whiterock Conservancy. The 50K course consists of three loops: a RED loop, WHITE loop and BLUE loop. The 50 mile course consists of two RED loops, two WHITE loops, and one BLUE loop. There are two full aid stations that runners pass through every 7-8 miles.
Inclement weather policy
Sometimes there are weather events beyond our control. A little rain in the forecast won't stop us. But if there is a threat of more severe weather, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety of all participants, volunteers, and spectators. All decisions made by race officials are non-negotiable.
Race officials may delay the event, change the route or cancel the race in case of extreme weather or other conditions that may affect the safety and health of participants. We will do everything in our power to hold a safe event.
The race director, in consultation with law enforcement, fire/EMS, Conservancy staff and other officials, will monitor the weather and make a decision if any action is necessary.
Delayed start
- 50 mile: if the start is delayed more than 2 hours, participants will be entered into the 50K race starting at 7am.
- 50K: if the start is delayed more than 2 hours, the course will be shortened to accommodate a course cut-off of 7pm. Aid stations may have little to no support after 5pm, so please plan accordingly.
- The race can be delayed for a maximum of two hours from start time. If severe weather hasn't cleared within two hours, the race may be shortened or canceled.
Mid-race changes
- Race officials may shut down or alter the course after the race has started if weather conditions deteriorate and trails are too wet. Runners will be asked to take shelter at the closest aid station or other safe location if weather is severe. If you refuse to take shelter and continue, you do so at your own risk.
- Aid stations will be unsupported at this time and you will not be eligible for top-finisher awards.
- If severe weather alters the event mid-race, your time is paused from when you cross the River House aid station timing mat. The race will resume 30 minutes after race officials give the all clear. Your time resumes when you check out of the River House aid station by crossing the timing mat.
- If there is excessive rain (over ~1 inch), the course may be altered to include some gravel roads as an alternative to the trails.
Location
River Campground, Coon Rapids, IA, USA Open in Google Maps
City insight: Coon Rapids
Coon Rapids is a city in Carroll and Guthrie counties in the U.S. state of Iowa. Its population was 1,300 at the 2020 census, a decrease of 5 from the 2000 census, and its Guthrie County portion lies within the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area. Iowa has hot, humid summers and cold winters, so late spring through early autumn are the best seasons to race.
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