Events
10 Mile Race
4 Mile Race
Junior Pursuit - Kids Run
Event Description
THE CAPITAL PURSUIT
Capital Pursuit is Capital Strider's premier 10-mile race that takes participants beautiful Easter Lake in SE Des Moines. 2026 marks the event's 44th year of racing, make sure not to miss one of Des Moines' longest-running traditions!
The Capital Striders are a member of the Road Runners Club of America, which promotes the development of community-based running clubs and events in the pursuit of health and competition for all ages. RRCA provides support and race insurance for many of its 2,500 member organizations.
Race Information
TIME & LOCATION
Time:
10:15 AM for Pursuit Junior (See Details Below)
CALLING ALL ELITES: The Capital Pursuit road race is again offering free entry to elite runners who meet time qualifications for the 10-mile race. The standards for the featured race are 56 minutes for the men, 61 minutes for the women, or equivalent times for shorter or longer races within the past 15 months. Elite entry inquiries should be made to: tyson@capitalstriders.org
Registration and Costs
10 Mile
$40 Registration (through 8/13/2026)
$50 Registration (8/14/2026 to 9/03/2026)
$55 Registration (9/4/2026 to 9/12/2026)
$60 Registration (9/13/2026 Race Day)
4 Mile
$35 Registration (through 8/13/2026)
$45 Registration (8/14/2026 to 9/03/2026)
$50 Registration (9/4/2026 to 9/12/2026)
$55 Registration (9/13/2026 Race Day)
Capital Striders members receive a $10 discount! Discount is applicable only when registering online.
Bundle with other fall races and save even more!
Other Information
PACKET PICKUP:
Friday 9/11: 5-7PM @ Fleet Feet Des Moines (521 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309)
Saturday 9/12: 10AM-12PM @ Fitness Sports Ingersoll (2915 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312)
Sunday 9/13: 7:00AM-7:50AM Packet Pickup North Shore Event Center (2816 Shoreline Road, Des Moines, IA 50320)
Race Day Timeline:
7:00AM-7:50AM: Packet Pickup
8:00AM: Official 10 & 4 Mile Start
8:30AM: Post-Race food North Shore Event Center
9:05AM: Top 3 4-Mile Awards @ North Shore Event Center
9:45AM: Top 4 10-Mile Awards @ North Shore Event Center
10:00AM: 10-Mile AG Awards @ North Shore Event Center (Starts w/ 19&U, and goes up) (See below for AG awards breakdown)
10:00AM: Junior Pursuit Racers meet in front of North Shore Event Center
10:10AM: Ages 4 & Under run approx 100 meters
10:15AM: Ages 5-8 run approx 250 meters
10:20AM: Ages 9-12 run approx 400 meters
11:00AM: Course and Event Center Closes
PURSUIT JR. INFORMATION:
The Pursuit Junior kids' races are free; however, registration is required.
Participants can register at the Pursuit Jr. Table near the finish line on race day. Parents/guardians will need to sign a waiver prior to their child participating in the race. Participants will receive a capital pursuit hat and a participation ribbon or medal.
Start times: See above timeline
Swag:
Gray Long Sleeve Shirts
MEDALS!
All 10 Mile and 4 Mile finishers will receive a finisher medal.
BONUS SWAG FOR MEMBERS
For the first 40 Capital Striders members that signup using their runsignup account to register for Capital Pursuit, you'll be getting bonus swag! A black Capital Striders hat to get you through the fall and winter season.
Race Course
Awards
We will be awarding the top 3 M/F for the 10 mile overall, the 4 mile overall, and the 10 mile age groups with these one of a kind plaques!
In addition to the plaques, the 10 mile Age group podium will get Fleet Feet gift cards. 1st - $30, 2nd - $20, 3rd - $10. While the top 3, 4-mile racers will get Fitness Sports gift cards. 1st - $100, 2nd - $90, 3rd - $80.
Age Groups
19&Under
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70-79
80+
Contact Form
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Event Location
Easter Lake Park
2816 Shoreline Road
Des Moines, IA 50320 US
View Location on Map
