Coming off the heels of our 4+ star participant rating in our first year, The Bacon Run is back in 2026! Our Bacon Run is held in conjunction with the long-running Bacon Fest in Ottumwa – otherwise known as ‘BaconTown’

Runners will enjoy a scenic run/walk along the Des Moines River on private path (concrete & asphalt)

After the event, registered participants (and families) will be allowed early access to BaconTown by 1 hour – at 10am.

*CHIP TIMING* provided by ERC Timing Solutions – Included

SWAG:

You’ll receive a Race Shirt with our logo, 1 pound of packaged uncooked bacon (just like you get at the store), 5 bacon bucks to spend on BaconTown food, (or Bacon Bloody Mary) as well as early entry to BaconTown. (10am vs 11am for the public) Each participant also receives a nice, heavy, 2.5″ Bacon Run medallion for crossing the finish line. The medallion is what gets you (and your guests or race support) into BaconTown early.

Cash prizes will be awarded to top finishers in age categories

The Kidz Zone inside BaconTown is also free and includes carnival rides inside the big Bridge View Center arena.

Packet Pick up will be the morning of the event, at 8am. Those wanting to guarantee a T-shirt in the correct size must have their registrations completed by November 7th. Registrations after November 7th will be on best effort. No shirts will be shipped if not picked up on the 14th.

One of the great features of our Bacon Run is that the start/finish line is just a few steps from the big glass windowed wall at Bridge View Center – so if the temperatures are on the cooler side, runners stay warm, can use indoor restrooms and won’t have far to walk to get on the course!

Start Times:

8:00 Packet Pick Up – Inside Bridge View Center (Indoor Restrooms/Heat)

9:00 5 Mile Start

9:20 5k Start

9:40 1 Mile Piggy Wiggy Start

10:00 Early Entry into Bacon Town for participants and their family. (Drinks, Food, Free Kids Carnival Rides

11:00 Bacon Town opens to the public