Just west of this city along the Mississippi in the dead of winter each year, a group of hardy souls takes to the snow-covered hills of eastern Iowa by foot, bicycle and skis for the annual Triple D Winter Race, which features a half marathon, 50K, full marathon and a 5K race.
As the race organizers put it, this race isn’t about making a great time or competing necessarily to beat your competitors — it’s simply about finding the toughness and perseverance to finish.
That’s because the race takes place in some of the harshest conditions you’ll find at any race in America, in mid-January when this part of eastern Iowa often sees temperatures tumble into the teens and even the single digits.
There’s also often plenty of snow on the ground, which explains why the organizers offer entrants the chance to either run or ski the marathon, half marathon or the 5K.
Adding to the test is that while volunteers will be out during the race, runners and skiers will need to bring their own water, refreshments, dry clothing and extra shoes and other items with them during the race, so they can make adjustments and refuel as necessary — it’s all part of the challenge (and the fun, they add).
Marathon,Half-Marathon,5k
