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Run for the Schools 2026

Date
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Start time
8:00 AM start (Chicago)
Entry fee
From $15
Included with entry
Includes a shirt
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Events and entry fees

EventDistanceWhenEntry feeCap
1/2-MileOtherOct 18, 20268:00 AM$15$20 after Sep 28, 2026–
1 Mile1 MileOct 18, 20268:15 AM$15$20 after Sep 28, 2026–
10K10KOct 18, 20269:00 AM$40$45 after Sep 28, 2026–
5K5KOct 18, 20269:00 AM$35$40 after Sep 28, 2026–

Entry fees exclude processing fees. Prices and dates come from the race's registration page and refresh nightly.

Race day planning

Entry fee schedule

  • 1/2-Mile and 1 Mile: $20 until Oct 16.
  • 10K: $45 until Oct 16.
  • 5K: $40 until Oct 16.

Online registration closes Oct 16, 2026, unless the race fills first.

How the price compares

At $40, entry is about 11 percent below a typical 10K in Iowa, which costs $45 right now.

What a typical finish looks like

A typical finisher at a 10K in Iowa runs 1:05:37, about 10:34 a mile, based on 17 races with published results. Women typically finish in 1:08:19 and men in 1:00:35.

Light and altitude

Sunrise on race morning is at about 7:20 AM, and the 1/2-Mile starts at 8:00 AM. The start sits about 680 feet above sea level.

Fees exclude processing fees. Comparisons use current entry fees and published results from races nearby.

Start location and course

220 S Gilbert St, Iowa City, IA 52240

The pin marks the address the race lists, which is usually the start. Course maps are the organizers' own.

Typical race-day weather

Around October 18 the day usually runs from 47°F at dawn to 65°F in the afternoon, with measurable rain on about 24% of days. Cold snaps dip to 35°F and hot years reach 77°F.

Based on 75 days within a week of the date over the last 5 years, from historical weather for the start area. Not a forecast.

From the race's page

What the organizers of Run for the Schools cover on their registration page, in brief.

Schedule and packet pickup

Event Schedule

PRE-RACE PACKET PICKUP. Saturday, October 17, 2026. 9:00am - 1:00pm. Location: Robert A Lee Community Recreation Center - Lower level gym. 220 S Gilbert St. Iowa City, IA 52240. * Pre-race packet pickup is HIGHLY encouraged to minimize…

Awards

Race Awards

Male and Female 1st - 3rd place. 5K. 10 & under, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & over. 10K. 13 & under, 14-16, 17-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44…

Rules and FAQ

FAQs

What is the race date and time? Sunday October 18, 2026. 8:00am Half-mile untimed. 8:15 One mile untimed. 9:00 5k/10k chip-timed. What are registration costs, deadlines? You can register online through Thursday, October 15. Prices increase…

The cause

Become a Sponsor

The Run for the Schools event, organized annually for over 25 years by the Iowa City Road Races, serves as a vital fundraiser for the Foundation for the Iowa City Community School District and Regina Catholic Schools, with 100% of profits…

The cause

Beneficiaries

Foundation for the Iowa City Community School District supports more than 11,000 K-12 public school students in our community. The Foundation's Excellence Fund will provide annual grants to enhance district programs, projects and…

Full details on the race's RunSignup page

Race details

Where
220 S Gilbert St, Iowa City, IA 52240Map
Course
Road
Start elevation
About 680 feet
Included with entry
T-Shirt
Distances
1 Mile, 5K, 10K, Other
Editions
2026 (Oct 18, 2026), 2025 (Oct 12, 2025), 2024 (Oct 6, 2024), 2023 (Oct 29, 2023)

Organize this race? Add details or a correction

Plan your race

Quick answers

When is Run for the Schools?
Sunday, October 18, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
How much does it cost?
Entry starts at $15 before processing fees.
When does registration close?
Online registration closes Oct 16, 2026, unless the race fills first.
Is the entry fee high for Iowa?
At $40, entry is about 11 percent below a typical 10K in Iowa, which costs $45 right now.
Do runners get a shirt or medal?
Entry includes a shirt, according to the race's registration page. Check it for sizes and whether kids' races get the same.
What distances can I run?
1 Mile, 5K, 10K, Other.
Where does it start?
220 S Gilbert St, Iowa City, IA 52240.
Is there a course map?
Yes, the organizers publish the route on MapMyRun; the link is under Start location and course.

From the organizers

Iowa City Road Races, Inc. is a non-profit group of volunteers committed to provide a means for fund raising in the community while promoting health and fitness through running at all skill levels.

Run for the Schools directly benefits students from the Iowa City Community School District and Regina Catholic Schools.