Capital Striders

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Des Moines, IA
Capital Striders

Capital Striders began in the 80s as Des Moines' non-profit running club for all! "Running it Forward."

The Capital Striders were formed in the mid-1980's to promote running in Central Iowa. Things have changed a bit over the last 20+ years, but the Striders have always been there for the elite as well as the beginning runner. Officially incorporated in 2003, our main purpose as an organization is to, "Promote and encourage running through the education of the community on the benefits of physical f

itness and amateur sport." we organize and host local running events so that we can put that money back into the local running community, whether that be through updating the trails, adding water fountains, educating the next generation of runners, providing time/space for runners to come together or just overall enhancing the Central Iowa running experience. We proud members members of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) and were proud to be a part of Des Moines receiving the 2012 Outstanding Runner Friendly Community.

06/19/2026

Weekend plans or is your training schedule for a fall race picking up? 🏃🏽‍♀️☀️ Join us for a free group run this Saturday morning, June 20th at the Raccoon River Park Playground, beginning at 7:30am. Routes this week include laps around the park loop offering a chance for water stops every 3 miles.

Come for the accountability and meet new friends along the way!

Check out the link in bio for more information about Capital Striders! Consider becoming a member to help support efforts like this and to receive discounts to local sponsors.

06/10/2026

Great group for a track workout in the muggy weather this morning!
If you want a new running buddy or need some extra accountability during the warm summer months, we would love for you to join us every Wednesday at 6am at the Roosevelt HS track!

06/04/2026

Early birds unite!

Looking to get faster this summer or dusting off the cobwebs? Join Capital Striders for free track workouts at 6am every Wednesday this summer at the Roosevelt track!

Suggested workouts provided by

All paces and abilities are welcomed! Come for the accountability and leave with friends 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

Look out for iced coffee and popsicles at select future Wednesdays. Check out the link in bio for more information about Capital Striders! Consider becoming a member to help support efforts like this and to receive discounts to local sponsors.

05/06/2026

The Capital Striders want to acknowledge the ongoing discussions regarding potential permitting fees for organized run clubs at Gray’s Lake. Groups like 515 Run Club contribute to a strong and connected running community, and we value having welcoming, accessible spaces where people of all experience levels can gather.

The Capital Striders will continue to support an open and inclusive running environment. Public spaces like Gray’s Lake have traditionally served as places where individuals and groups can improve their health, connect with others, and enjoy the outdoors. That history matters and deserves careful consideration as changes are discussed.

Community input plays an important role in this process. If you have perspectives on maintaining open and free access for community-run groups, you are encouraged to share them with the City of Des Moines.

If you choose to share your feedback, please keep your comments respectful and constructive so the conversation remains productive for everyone involved.

Article -
https://archive.ph/PBFrQ?fbclid=PAb21jcARl0TlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAacWJ9W6F7zj9vpYo8RgtPsQHt-V4su1IEcXaiditM9ZTh8Gd8VTbQEnwq8F6w_aem_vZ83mYAEGAMufkr2UgjIQw

05/04/2026

We are thrilled to announce this year’s scholarship recipients!👩‍🎓👨‍🎓
We had an incredible field of applicants, but these five students stood out with their amazing accomplishments, servant-leadership, and passion for this amazing sport.
Each student was selected to receive a particular scholarship due to the character traits, interests, and skills that align with each scholarship’s namesake. Read below for the details!

Joseph Zambreno - Kinetic Edge Scholarship
The Kinetic Edge Scholarship with special thanks to Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy and Todd Schemper, a long-time Strider, who’ve donated additional scholarship funds.

Kiley Heaberlin - Dave Hurd Scholarship
Dave Hurd was an avid runner and patron of running and wellness in Central Iowa, and one of the initial members of Capital Striders.

Alyx Woodley - Stan Smith Scholarship
Stan Smith was one of the first members of the organized version of the Capital Striders, and contributed endlessly to the running community whether it be youth programs, high school, collegiate, or lifetime.

Ava Barten - Chuck Jipp Scholarship
Chuck Jipp, who lost his battle with ALS in 2000, was a long-time Striders Board Member, volunteer, and runner.

Johnny Kien - Bobenhouse-Lavender Scholarship
The Bobenhouse-Lavender Scholarship with thanks to the Bobenhouse-Lavender foundation and Nancy Lavender-Bobenhouse and Steve Bobenhouse who have supported the club in many ways, for many years. Steve was a founding member of the club and is still actively involved.

Drop a comment of congratulations, and join us at our Annual Summer Potluck on July 14th to learn more about them!

05/01/2026

Congratulations to John Taylor on completing his 31st Boston Marathon!

As a member of the Quarter Century Club, John has completed at least 25 consecutive Boston Marathons, earning guaranteed entry into the race. This year, he proudly wore the club's special commemorative bib, which brought well-deserved congratulations from fellow runners and spectators.

After recovering from his second hip replacement in just 18 months, John showed remarkable determination by walking and running his way to another finish on one of running's biggest stages. He is already looking ahead to 2027, when he plans to complete his 32nd Boston Marathon.

Have a recent accomplishment to share? Whether it's a race result, a personal best, or a training milestone, we'd love to celebrate with you. Email [email protected] and tell us about it. We want to cheer right alongside you.

04/30/2026

This week's Saturday morning group run includes 4-, 7-, and 13-mile routes. Join us at Mars Cafe in Des Moines at 7:30 am.

View the routes --> https://tinyurl.com/3y36a3zb

Water will be available, but we encourage you to bring your own to stay hydrated.

04/29/2026

Congratulations to Nick and Emily Webb on an unforgettable Boston Marathon weekend! They crossed the finish line of one of the world's most iconic races and shared some wonderful news along the way - their family is growing. A baby girl will be joining them this October. Wishing the Webb family all the best in this exciting new chapter.

Have a recent accomplishment to share? Whether it's a race result, a personal best, or a training milestone, we'd love to celebrate with you. Email [email protected] and tell us about it. We want to cheer right alongside you.

04/24/2026

This week's Saturday morning group run includes 4-, 6-, and 10-mile routes. Join us at Mars Cafe in Des Moines at 7:30 am.

View the routes --> https://tinyurl.com/3y36a3zb

Water will be available, but we encourage you to bring your own to stay hydrated.

Address

2507 University Ave
Des Moines, IA
50311-4505

Website

http://www.capitalstriders.org/

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