The University of Okoboji Homecoming Races return to Arnolds Park, Iowa on Saturday, July 18th, offering a mix of distances for runners of all abilities. Race morning finds participants gathering in the heart of Arnolds Park, where the scenic trail winds through the university grounds. The atmosphere is lively and festive, with students and residents alike cheering on racers as they pass by familiar landmarks like the historic Carnegie Library and the bustling main street. This event has been a cornerstone of homecoming festivities for over two decades. Since 2005, it has grown to attract hundreds of participants annually, raising funds that support scholarships for local high school students pursuing higher education at the university. The course venue is the university’s athletic fields, featuring hard and dry surfaces that provide an ideal setting for competitive running. The route begins and ends on campus grounds, passing by the picturesque Lake Okoboji, which offers a welcome visual break during the race. There are no aid stations planned due to the nature of the terrain, but water stops will be available at key points along the way. The weather conditions predict an average temperature of 22.5°C with humidity levels around 76.8%, making for comfortable running conditions on that day in July. The UV index is very high, so sun protection and hydration are essential. While there's a slight risk of rainfall (3.3mm), the surface remains hard and dry.
Team Triathlon 25K • Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $124.33
To register for the University of Okoboji Homecoming Races, visit https://raceroster.com/events/2026/118629/university-of-okoboji-homecoming-races. Registration fees are $39.20 for 10K and 5K, $44.52 for the half marathon, and higher amounts for triathlon participants. Bibs can be picked up at the university’s athletic center on Saturday morning from 6:30 am to 7:00 am. Participants should bring a photo ID with their registration number printed or written clearly. The race starts at the university’s main gate located at 510 University Drive, Arnolds Park, IA 51026. The event is open to runners of all ages; however, participants must be at least 18 years old and provide a valid ID upon arrival. This race offers more than just a challenging course—it supports the local community by providing scholarships for aspiring students. It's an event that brings together families and friends in celebration of homecoming traditions while contributing to education locally.
Races Offered
10K
Jul 18, 2026
straighten
Distance —
10K
terrain
Type —
Multisports,
Running
timer
07:00
sell
$39.20
5K
Jul 18, 2026
straighten
Distance —
5K
terrain
Type —
Multisports,
Running
timer
07:00
sell
$28.56
Half Marathon
Jul 18, 2026
straighten
Distance —
21K
terrain
Type —
Multisports,
Running
timer
07:00
sell
$44.52
Individual Triathlon
Jul 18, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Swim 0.6 Miles Bike 18 Miles Run 3.8 Miles
terrain
Type —
Multisports,
Running
timer
07:00
sell
$71.12
Team Triathlon
Jul 18, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Swim 0.6 Miles Bike 18 Miles Run 3.8 Miles
terrain
Type —
Multisports,
Running
timer
07:00
sell
$124.33
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for July in Arnolds Park.
thermostatTemperature
17.9° / 27.0°
wb_sunnyFeels like
17.8° / 27.6°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
12h 35m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
3.3 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
11.9 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
High
terrain
Course conditions
Hard and dry surface
sunny
Max UV Index
Very High (8.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
76.8%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
05:55
nightlight
Sunset
20:56
About Arnolds Park
Learn more about the host city, Arnolds Park.
Arnolds Park is a city in Dickinson County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,110 in the 2020 census, a decline from the 1,162 population in the 2000 census.
