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 Half Marathon (21.1 km) is a chip-timed road race held annually in July in Arnolds Park, Iowa—starting on the western side of West Lake Okoboji (Wahpeton Green Space) and finishing at Arnolds Park Amusement Park. The course loops around the lake’s scenic shoreline with gently rolling, shaded roads and includes shuttle service to the start, age-group awards, and a generous $500 cash prize for the top male and female finishers in the half marathon division.
Race Date:
19 July, 2025
The University of Okoboji 10K (10 km) is a chip-timed road race held each July in Arnolds Park, Iowa, starting at the Methodist Campgrounds and finishing at Arnolds Park Amusement Park. The scenic route skirts the western shoreline of West Lake Okoboji, offering a moderately hilly yet picturesque course with shuttle service to the start, custom medals for age-group winners, and a $300 cash prize for the top male and female finishers.
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.
Race Date:
19 July, 2025
The University of Okoboji 5K is a chip‑timed, USATF‑style road race held each July in Arnolds Park, Iowa, starting at Good News Church and finishing along the lakeside promenade at Arnolds Park Amusement Park. The scenic 5 km route runs through paved paths and roads around West Lake Okoboji, offering participants shuttle service to the start, finisher medals, age-group awards, and cash prizes for top finishers.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the University of Okoboji Half-Marathon?
How long is the University of Okoboji Half-Marathon?
Where does the University of Okoboji Half-Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the University of Okoboji Half-Marathon?
How can I prepare for the University of Okoboji Half-Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the University of Okoboji Half-Marathon?
The University of Okoboji Half Marathon (21.1 km) is a chip-timed road race held annually in July in Arnolds Park, Iowa—starting on the western side of West Lake Okoboji (Wahpeton Green Space) and finishing at Arnolds Park Amusement Park. The course loops around the lake’s scenic shoreline with gently rolling, shaded roads and includes shuttle service to the start, age-group awards, and a generous $500 cash prize for the top male and female finishers in the half marathon division.
The University of Okoboji Half-Marathon is 21km long.
The University of Okoboji Half-Marathon takes place in Arnolds Park, Iowa, USA.
Runna classifies the University of Okoboji Half-Marathon elevation profile as Rolling.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 personalized 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 Half-Marathon?
The University of Okoboji Half Marathon (21.1 km) is a chip-timed road race held annually in July in Arnolds Park, Iowa—starting on the western side of West Lake Okoboji (Wahpeton Green Space) and finishing at Arnolds Park Amusement Park. The course loops around the lake’s scenic shoreline with gently rolling, shaded roads and includes shuttle service to the start, age-group awards, and a generous $500 cash prize for the top male and female finishers in the half marathon division.
How long is the University of Okoboji Half-Marathon?
The University of Okoboji Half-Marathon is 21km long.
Where does the University of Okoboji Half-Marathon take place?
The University of Okoboji Half-Marathon takes place in Arnolds Park, Iowa, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the University of Okoboji Half-Marathon?
Runna classifies the University of Okoboji Half-Marathon elevation profile as Rolling.
How can I prepare for the University of Okoboji Half-Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 Half-Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalized 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 10K?
How long is the University of Okoboji 10K?
Where does the University of Okoboji 10K take place?
What is the elevation gain of the University of Okoboji 10K?
How can I prepare for the University of Okoboji 10K?
How do I choose the right training plan for the University of Okoboji 10K?
The University of Okoboji 10K (10 km) is a chip-timed road race held each July in Arnolds Park, Iowa, starting at the Methodist Campgrounds and finishing at Arnolds Park Amusement Park. The scenic route skirts the western shoreline of West Lake Okoboji, offering a moderately hilly yet picturesque course with shuttle service to the start, custom medals for age-group winners, and a $300 cash prize for the top male and female finishers.
The University of Okoboji 10K is 10km long.
The University of Okoboji 10K takes place in Arnolds Park, Iowa, USA.
Runna classifies the University of Okoboji 10K elevation profile as Moderate.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 personalized 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 10K?
The University of Okoboji 10K (10 km) is a chip-timed road race held each July in Arnolds Park, Iowa, starting at the Methodist Campgrounds and finishing at Arnolds Park Amusement Park. The scenic route skirts the western shoreline of West Lake Okoboji, offering a moderately hilly yet picturesque course with shuttle service to the start, custom medals for age-group winners, and a $300 cash prize for the top male and female finishers.
How long is the University of Okoboji 10K?
The University of Okoboji 10K is 10km long.
Where does the University of Okoboji 10K take place?
The University of Okoboji 10K takes place in Arnolds Park, Iowa, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the University of Okoboji 10K?
Runna classifies the University of Okoboji 10K elevation profile as Moderate.
How can I prepare for the University of Okoboji 10K?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 10K?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalized 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?
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 personalized 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 personalized 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 personalized 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 personalized 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 5K Race?
How long is the University of Okoboji 5K Race?
Where does the University of Okoboji 5K Race take place?
What is the elevation gain of the University of Okoboji 5K Race?
How can I prepare for the University of Okoboji 5K Race?
How do I choose the right training plan for the University of Okoboji 5K Race?
The University of Okoboji 5K is a chip‑timed, USATF‑style road race held each July in Arnolds Park, Iowa, starting at Good News Church and finishing along the lakeside promenade at Arnolds Park Amusement Park. The scenic 5 km route runs through paved paths and roads around West Lake Okoboji, offering participants shuttle service to the start, finisher medals, age-group awards, and cash prizes for top finishers.
The University of Okoboji 5K Race is 5km long.
The University of Okoboji 5K Race takes place in Arnolds Park, Iowa, USA.
Runna classifies the University of Okoboji 5K Race elevation profile as Moderate.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 personalized 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 5K Race?
The University of Okoboji 5K is a chip‑timed, USATF‑style road race held each July in Arnolds Park, Iowa, starting at Good News Church and finishing along the lakeside promenade at Arnolds Park Amusement Park. The scenic 5 km route runs through paved paths and roads around West Lake Okoboji, offering participants shuttle service to the start, finisher medals, age-group awards, and cash prizes for top finishers.
How long is the University of Okoboji 5K Race?
The University of Okoboji 5K Race is 5km long.
Where does the University of Okoboji 5K Race take place?
The University of Okoboji 5K Race takes place in Arnolds Park, Iowa, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the University of Okoboji 5K Race?
Runna classifies the University of Okoboji 5K Race elevation profile as Moderate.
How can I prepare for the University of Okoboji 5K Race?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 5K Race?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalized 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:
Running
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.
