Wading through creeks. Running past farm animals. Climbing hills and gullies. And all alongside 7,500 other runners who are out of their minds. Welcome to the Living History Farms Off Road Race.
The annual race, which happens the Saturday prior to Thanksgiving, takes place in Urbandale, Iowa. It serves to raise funds for Living History Farms, a non-profit museum, as well as various scholarships in the surrounding area. In the past 14 years, the race has raised over $725,000. The race is also one of the largest outdoor races in the country.
Runners test their strengths in a 7-mile race through farmland. The race’s Facebook page says “You will get dirty, so be prepared,” giving runners a great end to the race season and stories to tell all winter long. Don’t worry though; runners are rewarded with a Hot Post Race Meal sponsored by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Machine Shed Restaurant, making it all worth it.