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MARCH 15, 2025 -- 9AM

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It's almost that time again - the Motor Motor Trail Runs are back! Proceeds from this year's event will go towards the planting of over 3,000 trees in the "old buffalo pen" area of Osborne Park along the Volga River.

Think about it - your race entry will plant a tree that will be enjoyed by wildlife and human visitors for decades to come, and all you have to do is enjoy a beautiful morning in some of the finest scenery Clayton County has to offer. So bring a friend, or 10, and let's have some fun!

Race day presents runners with two options: a 5K on dirt, grass, rocks, roots, and steep terrain, or a 10K with stout climbs on the soft-surfaced Motor Mill trail connecting the Motor Mill historic site to the town of Elkader. 

Both routes feature the incredible scenery of the Turkey River valley - wide open spaces, and long vistas of the rugged terrain of northeast Iowa's driftless area. 

2025 will be the 9th running of Motor Motor, and while each year faces the vagaries of mid-March weather in Iowa, it has become a staple of the running calendar for runners throughout the upper Midwest region. 

Runners take home a swag bag full of local goodies, and a finisher's medal. Additional prizes go to the age group and overall winners. 

After the race, take in the sights of the beautiful Motor Mill historic site, a restored 19th-century townsite centered around the incomparable 6-story limestone mill itself, before heading to Elkader for a well-earned bite at one of the local restaurants or some shopping at one of our generous sponsors' establishments!