The University of Okoboji Homecoming Races is a beloved annual event held every third Saturday in July in Arnolds Park, Iowa, set against the scenic backdrop of West Lake Okoboji and the Arnolds Park Amusement Park. The weekend offers a diverse suite of timed events—the Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K—that course along paved roads and trails around the lake, each offering shuttle service to start points and featuring finisher medals, age‑group awards, and cash prizes. Additionally, a competitive Triathlon (0.6 mile swim, 18 mile bike, 3.8 mile run) and Team Triathlon draw multisport athletes with rolling swim starts and transition zones at Preservation Plaza. The event, which began in 1978 by local organizers and has grown to host over 1,200 participants from across the U.S. and beyond, combines athletic challenge with community tradition and festival‑style celebrations.
Races
Half Marathon
10 km
3.8 miles
5 km
Race Date:
19 July, 2025
The University of Okoboji Triathlon 3.8 Mile Run is the final leg of the annual July event in Arnolds Park, Iowa, consisting of a single out-and-back 3.8-mile run from the transition area at Preservation Plaza along the scenic west lake promenade to the finish at Arnolds Park Amusement Park. This run offers triathletes a chip-timed, waterside finale complete with finish-line medals and post-race celebration.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the University of Okoboji Triathlon?
How long is the University of Okoboji Triathlon?
Where does the University of Okoboji Triathlon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the University of Okoboji Triathlon?
How can I prepare for the University of Okoboji Triathlon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the University of Okoboji Triathlon?
The University of Okoboji Triathlon 3.8 Mile Run is the final leg of the annual July event in Arnolds Park, Iowa, consisting of a single out-and-back 3.8-mile run from the transition area at Preservation Plaza along the scenic west lake promenade to the finish at Arnolds Park Amusement Park. This run offers triathletes a chip-timed, waterside finale complete with finish-line medals and post-race celebration.
The University of Okoboji Triathlon is 6km long.
The University of Okoboji Triathlon takes place in Arnolds Park, Iowa, USA.
Runna classifies the University of Okoboji Triathlon elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the University of Okoboji Triathlon?
The University of Okoboji Triathlon 3.8 Mile Run is the final leg of the annual July event in Arnolds Park, Iowa, consisting of a single out-and-back 3.8-mile run from the transition area at Preservation Plaza along the scenic west lake promenade to the finish at Arnolds Park Amusement Park. This run offers triathletes a chip-timed, waterside finale complete with finish-line medals and post-race celebration.
How long is the University of Okoboji Triathlon?
The University of Okoboji Triathlon is 6km long.
Where does the University of Okoboji Triathlon take place?
The University of Okoboji Triathlon takes place in Arnolds Park, Iowa, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the University of Okoboji Triathlon?
Runna classifies the University of Okoboji Triathlon elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the University of Okoboji Triathlon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the University of Okoboji Triathlon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
More
Sport:
Triathlon
Tags:
Team
Nature
Relay
This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by University of Okoboji Homecoming Races or Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. All event details are based on publicly available information and are provided solely to help users discover running events. Runna does not use any official logos, images, or proprietary content from this event or its organiser. Any trademarks or names mentioned are used descriptively to identify the event in a factual manner. For the most accurate and up to date information (including to register or purchase an entry to the event), please visit the University of Okoboji Homecoming Races website.
