Lewis & Clark Marathon, 1/2 Marathon, 5k and 1-Mile Fun Run

About this race

Lewis & Clark Marathon
April 24, 2027 | Council Bluffs, Iowa

Step into history and begin your next chapter at the inaugural Lewis & Clark Marathon. Featuring a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, and Kids 1-Mile Fun Run, this unique event blends scenic riverfront running with one of America's most historic landscapes.

The course follows a combination of paved roads and paved recreational trails, taking runners along the banks of the mighty Missouri River, around beautiful Lake Manawa, and through the heart of historic downtown Council Bluffs.

Along the way, participants will experience landmarks that helped shape our nation's story, including the Historic General Dodge House, Council Bluffs Union Station, the Golden Spike Monument, portions of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, and the historic Mormon Trail, where the Mormon Battalion assembled before the westward migration.

Designed as a fast course, runners will enjoy mostly flat terrain with gentle rolling hills that provide just enough variety while remaining ideal for personal bests.

The Marathon follows a scenic loop course, while the Half Marathon, 5K, and Kids Fun Run feature easy-to-follow out-and-back routes.

Whether you're chasing a personal record, completing your first race, or simply looking for an unforgettable destination event, the Lewis & Clark Marathon in Council Bluffs, Iowa offers a one-of-a-kind experience where history, community, and the spirit of exploration come together.

Race Distances

Marathon (26.2 Miles)
Half Marathon (13.1 Miles)
5K
Kids 1-Mile Fun Run

Come discover the Missouri Valley.

Run where explorers, pioneers, presidents, dreamers... and now you begin the next chapter.

Before You Ask...

Welcome! We're excited to have you join us for the Lewis & Clark Marathon. Below you'll find details about everything you'll need to know.

As we continue building an unforgettable race-day experience, this page will be updated regularly with the latest information about packet pickup, parking, course details, schedules, spectator information, and race weekend logistics.

We recommend bookmarking this page and checking back often, especially as race weekend approaches, to ensure you have the most current information. You'll also get weekly emails from our team counting down to race day, offering nutrition and training plans for free and updates.

If you can't find the answer you're looking for, we're always happy to help. Simply contact our team, and we'll get back to you as quickly as possible.

Thank you for being part of the journey.

Run where history began.

Weather

On April 24th at Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park in Council Bluffs, the typical weather features a daily high of around 64°F (18°C) and an overnight low near 40°F (4°C). The area experiences partly cloudy skies, moderate winds averaging around 16 mph, and a light but noticeable chance of spring rain.

Our Story

Every runner has a story.

Some run to compete. Some run for health. Some run to see how far they can go. Others run because the road has become a place to process life's hardest moments.

I'm one of those runners.

Running has been more than exercise in my life. It has been a place to think, to heal, to grow, and to keep moving forward. Along the way, I've met countless runners whose stories are different than mine, but whose reasons for running feel remarkably familiar. We all carry something. We all keep taking the next step.

The Lewis & Clark Marathon was created to celebrate that journey.

Inspired by the explorers who launched into the unknown from the Missouri Valley, this race is about more than crossing a finish line. It's about discovering what you're capable of, finding strength you didn't know you had, and remembering that every great journey begins with a single step.

Our hope is that this event becomes more than an annual race. We want it to become a tradition that brings together runners, families, volunteers, businesses, and an entire community