Felix Grundy Festival Big Top Trot, Saturday July 11, 2026
Choose from the following events:
- 8:00 am -Timed 5K race; The Big Top Trot
- 8:05 am -Non-timed, 2-Mile Fun Run Walk or Stroll
Other activities include (no fee or registration required):
- 9:00 am Free 400-meter BIG TOP BOLT all ages
- 8:30-9:30 am Free Big Top 100-Yard Boot Camp Challenge
All events start and finish at the Grundy Center High School Track 1006 M Avenue, Grundy Center, IA.
Timed 5K Big Top Trot Awards/Door Prize drawing 9:00 am
1st & 2nd place female & male finishers in each age group.
Age groups:
0-5, 6-11, 12-15, 16-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & better
2-Mile Run, Walk, or Stroll Prizes 9:30 am
- Best costume award for individual, family, stroller/wheelchair, and pet.
- Door prize drawing
The timed 5K race, 2-mile Run Walk or Stroll, 400-meter dash and Boot Camp Challenge will all take place during Felix Grundy Days in Grundy Center, IA. The event is sponsored by Titan Machinery & Grundy County Memorial Hospital with proceeds going to the Grundy Family YMCA and the Grundy Center Wellness Committee.
Registration fees
Where pricing applies, shown amounts include mandatory charges, items, and fees.
5K
Price changes in 2 months 11 days-
Timed 5K Race – 8:00 AM Start
-
Register for 5K$23.15
$20.00 + Processing and Taxes
Now registering Mar 1 – Jul 2 -
$28.45
$25.00 + Processing and Taxes
Jul 2 – Jul 9
-
2-Mile
Price changes in 2 months 11 days-
Fun Run, Walk, or Stroll – 8:05 AM Start
-
Register for 2-Mile$23.15
$20.00 + Processing and Taxes
Now registering Mar 1 – Jul 2 -
$28.45
$25.00 + Processing and Taxes
Jul 2 – Jul 9
-
Big Top 100-Yard Boot Camp Challenge
8:30–9:30 AM
-
Register for Big Top 100-Yard Boot Camp ChallengeFreeMar 1 - Jul 10
BIG TOP BOLT – 400-Meter Dash
9:00 AM
-
Register for BIG TOP BOLT – 400-Meter DashFreeMar 1 - Jul 10
Events
The Felix Grundy Big Top Trot offers something for every age and fitness level. Choose from two registered race events or join the free fitness challenges happening throughout the morning.
1. Timed 5K Race – 8:00 AM Start
Challenge yourself with the official Big Top Trot 5K! This timed race is perfect for competitive runners or anyone aiming for a personal best. Participants will follow the designated 5K course and compete for awards in various age categories. Registration and race fee are required, with race-day registration available. All registered participants are eligible for awards and door prizes.
2. 2-Mile Fun Run, Walk, or Stroll – 8:05 AM Start
This relaxed, non-timed event welcomes runners, walkers, families, and anyone looking to enjoy the morning at their own pace. Participants are encouraged to show their circus spirit by entering the costume contest, with divisions for family, individual, stroller or wheelchair, and pet (on a leash). Registration and race fee are required, with race-day registration available. Participants are also eligible for awards and door prizes.
3. Big Top 100-Yard Boot Camp Challenge – 8:30–9:30 AM (Free Activity)
Step onto the field and take on the ultimate test of speed, strength, and stamina! Participants power their way down a 100-yard football field by alternating 10-yard sprints with high-energy plyometric moves including push-ups, burpees, lunges, squats, and sit-ups. This fast-paced challenge builds total-body strength, boosts endurance, and delivers plenty of fun in a high-energy environment. All fitness levels are welcome. No registration or fee required.
4. BIG TOP BOLT – 400-Meter Dash – 9:00 AM (Free Activity)
Originally designed as a kid’s dash but open to all ages, the BIG TOP BOLT is a fun, fast 400-meter run that invites participants to sprint, jog, or race around the track. It’s a great way for kids—and kids at heart—to experience the excitement of race day. No registration or fee required.
Directions to the Grundy Center
Grundy Center is located 7 miles south of Hwy 20 on Hwy 14, 25 miles southwest of Cedar Falls and 25 miles northeast of Marshalltown.
Packet Pickup/Race Day Registration
Packet pickup and same day registration will be Saturday, July 12th from 7:00-7:30 a.m. Race begins at 8:00 a.m. Same day registration will take place at the Spartan Stadium Track, 1006 M Ave, Grundy Center, IA.
Awards
For the timed 5K, awards will be given to 1st & 2nd female/male finishers in each age group.
Age Groups:
0-5, 6-11, 12-15, 16-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
The non-timed 2-mile Fun Run will include an optional costume contest including family, individual, stroller/wheelchair and pet division awards.
All participants who have registered and have paid a race fee will be entered into a drawing for door prizes.
Other Activities
After the race, your entire family can enjoy a small town atmosphere and fun at Grundy Center's Felix Grundy Festival.
Contact information
- Event contact
- Crytal Petersen
Sponsors
- Grundy County Memorial Hospital and Titan Machinery
