You are here:
Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Shenandoah, IA, USA
- Race Date: 09/12/2026
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: No
Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon Description
The Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon is a rural, Boston-Qualifying race held each September in Shenandoah, Iowa, following the historic Wabash Trace rail-trail through southwest Iowa farmland and woods. The full marathon and relay run out from Shenandoah to north of Imogene and back, while the half marathon runs one-way from Imogene into Shenandoah, all on a mostly flat, shaded route of packed crushed limestone. The full marathon and relay finish near the town’s restored railroad depot. Its small-town charm, well-stocked water stops, and welcoming volunteers make it a favorite among Midwest marathoners chasing a Boston qualifying time.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
Share This Race
Shop This Race
Handpicked for runners toeing this line.
Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon Additional Details:
This is small-town racing at its most genuine, with water stations set every two miles along the trail and volunteers who go out of their way to make runners feel cared for, some jogging out to hand off Gatorade or chocolate milk personally. Finishers receive a distinctive wooden medallion instead of the usual metal medal, a nod to the race’s rustic, trail-first character. Awards are presented under a tent at the historic Depot near the finish, where free beer awaits alongside snacks and drinks for runners cooling down. The trail itself, a converted rail line through rolling Iowa farmland and timber, gives the race a peaceful, unhurried feel that longtime finishers return to year after year for the community as much as the course.
Course Information
Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Out and Back
Surface: Mostly Trails
Pace Groups: No
Time Limit: 6 hours (full)
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 100 to 150
Marathon: 50 to 100
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 667
Elevation Loss: 784
Average Temperature
- Low: 63°F
- High: 80°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Things to Do in Shenandoah, IA, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Landmark
Iowa Walk of Fame
Stroll the Iowa Walk of Fame in downtown Shenandoah, honoring more than 120 famous Iowans — an easy, flat, low-impact stop after race weekend.
Museums & History
Shenandoah Historical Museum
Explore local history at the Shenandoah Historical Museum, including the Wabash Depot and the Everly Brothers’ childhood home — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race day.
Outdoors & Trails
Wabash Trace Nature Trail
Walk or bike the limestone-surfaced Wabash Trace Nature Trail through Waubonsie Park, passing through Shenandoah — an easy option for tapering or recovering legs.
Arts & Culture
Wabash Arts Camp Murals
See colorful murals from the Wabash Arts Camp scattered throughout Shenandoah — a relaxed, low-impact walking stop after race day.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Waubonsie Park
Relax at Waubonsie Park along the Wabash Trace, a trailside park with free camping — a relaxed, flat way to spend a rest day after racing.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon
Compare nearby hotels and book your Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon race-weekend stay in seconds.
Sunrise Running Company may earn a commission if you book through the map below, at no extra cost to you.
Featured Race
A pancake-flat course made for chasing a PR — and a Boston Qualifier.
Boston Qualifier: Yes