Coming off the heels of our 4+ star participant rating in our first year, The Bacon Run is back in 2026! Our Bacon Run is held in conjunction with the long-running Bacon Fest in Ottumwa - otherwise known as 'BaconTown'
Runners will enjoy a scenic run/walk along the Des Moines River on private path (concrete & asphalt)
After the event, registered participants (and families) will be allowed early access to BaconTown by 1 hour - at 10am.
SWAG:
You'll receive a Race Shirt with our logo, 1 pound of packaged uncooked bacon (just like you get at the store), 5 bacon bucks to spend on BaconTown food, (or Bacon Bloody Mary) as well as early entry to BaconTown. Each participant also receives a nice, heavy, 3" Bacon Run medalion for crossing the finish line.
Cash prizes will be awarded to top finishers in age categories
The Kidz Zone inside BaconTown is also free and includes carnival rides inside the big Bridge View Center arena.
Packet Pick up will be the morning of the event, at 8am. Those wanting to guarantee a T-shirt in the correct size must have their registrations completed by November 7th. Registrations after November 7th will be on best effort. No shirts will be shipped if not picked up on the 14th.
One of the great features of our Bacon Run is that the start/finish line is just a few steps from the big glass windowed wall at Bridge View Center - so if the temperatures are on the cooler side, runners stay warm, can use indoor restrooms and won't have far to walk to get on the course!
Start Times:
8:00 Packet Pick Up - Inside Bridge View Center (Indoor Restrooms/Heat)
9:00 5 Mile Start
9:20 5k Start
9:40 1 Mile Piggy Wiggy Start
10:00 Early Entry into Bacon Town for participants and their family. (Drinks, Food, Free Kids Carnival Rides
11:00 Bacon Town opens to the public
Registration fees
Where pricing applies, shown amounts include mandatory charges, items, and fees.
Bacon Run 5 Mile
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Register for Bacon Run 5 Mile$28.56
$25 + online processing & taxes
Jul 20 - Nov 14
Bacon Run 5k
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Register for Bacon Run 5k$28.56
$25 + online processing & taxes
Jul 20 - Nov 14
Piggy Wiggy 1 Mile
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Register for Piggy Wiggy 1 Mile$23.23
$20 + online processing & taxes
Jul 20 - Nov 14
Additional Event Information
First, we transform the Bridge View Center into an incredible ‘downtown street scene’ using 13,000 square feet of backdrop. Then Vendors come set up in front of their ‘storefronts’ with all their bacon themed delectables. Come taste all the ways our area chefs use Bacon.
How much is it?
Admission is Free, most bacon items are $1, Some more healthier servings might be $2 or $3. Water, soda and adult beverages are also available.
Can I bring my kids?
We hope so! 1st Credit Union runs the Kids Zone area which is complete with games, indoor Carnival rides, face painting, inflatables and more! Its in the same space that BaconTown occupies so they are part of BaconTown! There are definitely bacon items that your kids would also enjoy (Like Bacon Mac’n Cheese or Bacon wrapped little smokies)
I don’t want to miss the football game!
If the Iowa college games are on, we’ll have them on huge video boards so you won’t miss a minute of the action.
Is there Live Music?
Yes, back by popular demand, The Mondeau Dukes will perform most of the day. They are incredible. Keep in mind, this is a food event with music, not a music event with food. We’ll keep the volume in check so you can still visit with your friends and neighbors.
Can I purchase Bacon Bucks to give to my staff before the event?
Bacon Bucks make a great way to say ‘thank you’ to your staff or give to them as a perk. Yes, we’d be happy to accommodate you. Unfortunately, there are no discounts for purchasing in bulk, because at the end of the night, when the chefs turn in their bucks, they’d like to be paid!
Participants Receive
1. Race T-shirt
2. 1 Pound of Packaged JBS Bacon
3. 5 ‘Bacon Bucks’ to use at BaconTown
4. Early Entry into BaconTown. Opens to the Public at 11am, opens to
participants after their race.
Contact information
- Event contact
- Joe Milledge
- Phone
- 515-822-1994
- Website
- Visit website
