The Cedar Bend Endurance Event returns to Waverly, Iowa on September 5th, offering runners a choice between a challenging 4-hour or an ambitious 8-hour loop through the scenic 180-acre Cedar Bend Park just north of town. This endurance-focused event is centered around the park's well-maintained trails and gravel paths that meander along its perimeter, providing participants with varied terrain to test their mettle.
4-hour
Start: 08:00:00 • Fee: $30.00
8-hour
Start: 08:00:00 • Fee: $40.00
On race morning, runners can expect a quiet yet lively atmosphere as they gather at Cedar Bend Park’s designated start area on 205th Street. The air will be crisp around dawn, making for an ideal setting as temperatures hover in the low seventies by 7:30 AM when check-in closes. Participants should prepare for firm and slightly soft trail conditions with a moderate UV index during their run.
Since its inception over a decade ago, the Cedar Bend Endurance Event has steadily grown into one of Iowa’s premier running events, drawing nearly two hundred participants each year who push themselves through rugged trails in support of local youth scholarships. Runners are drawn to this event not just for the challenging course but also because it fosters community spirit and supports a worthy cause.
The race venue features a 3.15-mile loop that winds around Cedar Bend Park’s perimeter, offering runners an opportunity to tackle singletrack paths mixed with wider trails and gravel sections in equal measure. The trail conditions are firm yet slightly soft underfoot, providing both traction and cushioning for long-distance efforts. Runners should note the elevation gain of roughly 200 feet per loop as they navigate through the course’s technical aspects.
Weather forecasts predict comfortable temperatures ranging from around sixty to eighty degrees Fahrenheit with a UV index at five during race day, ensuring runners can enjoy clear skies without excessive heat or humidity affecting their performance. The possibility for light precipitation is minimal, making it unlikely that rain will impact trail conditions significantly.
The event offers participants the choice between two endurance runs: a 4-hour run priced at $30 and an 8-hour option costing $40. Registration can be completed online through [https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=131846](https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=131846) until the cutoff date, after which no late entries will be accepted.
For race day logistics, bib pickup is available from 6:00 AM to 7:30 AM at Cedar Bend Park’s start line. Participants should bring their registration confirmation and photo ID if needed for verification purposes. The race begins promptly at 8:00 AM with a fully stocked aid station located conveniently at the finish line, ensuring runners have access to essential hydration and nutrition throughout.
The Cedar Bend Endurance Event in Waverly, Iowa on September 5th is an event not to be missed by serious trail runners looking for both scenic beauty and challenging terrain. With its support of local youth scholarships and a community-driven spirit, it stands out as one of the region’s most meaningful endurance races.
