Marathon Registration Now Open!

2026 Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon to Restructure and Remain a Positive Impact in the Community

The Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon was started in 2012 after inspiration from a similar run on the Mickelson Trail in South Dakota. The goals of the event were to provide a premier running event for southwest Iowa, grow the audience of the Wabash Trace, and increase tourism to the participating communities along the trail. The full marathon became a Boston-Qualifier in 2015 (with a new route being certified in 2020). In the first 14 years, combined participation in the Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, and Marathon Relay races reached more than 3,700 registrants. Participants have traveled from 45 states plus the District of Columbia, Canada, and Wales.

As with many long-running events, challenges have presented themselves over the years, organizers have made route changes, start time adjustments, and facility modifications to best serve the event’s participants and volunteers. As preparations are underway for the 15th year of the event, another big change is underway.

The Shenandoah Chamber and Industry Association (SCIA) has been the lead on the administration side of the Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon since the beginning. Keeping track of registrations, procuring sponsors, promoting the event, and finding volunteers is no simple job. SCIA leadership has decided that it is time for them to “hang up their running shoes”. To keep the benefits of the marathon in our communities without adding to their plates, the other race directors approached Jake and Laura Jass with the hopes that they would continue and grow the events. Jake and Laura are a husband-wife team that produce events for Endurance Sports Marketing of Des Moines including the IMT Des Moines Marathon, Iowa Trail Run Series and Cedar Rapids Marathon Weekend. In addition, Laura has family ties to the Shenandoah area, making this opportunity a meaningful return to the community. The daughter of Mark and Barb (Knollenberg) Smidt who graduated from Shenandoah High School in 1981 (Mark) and 1982 (Barb). Together, Jake and Laura are excited to continue and grow the event while honoring its history.

“This event is especially meaningful to me because the Shenandoah community is where I’ve made so many memories with my grandparents, cousins, and extended family,” said Laura Jass. “I’m incredibly excited to help produce a race in a place that has so much nostalgia for me, and to work alongside the many community members whose time, effort, and passion have made this event something truly special. Bill, Becca and the entire community have poured their time, heart and energy into this event and we cannot wait to continue to build on something so positively impactful.”

Under new leadership, several updates are planned for 2026. The event has been rebranded as the Wabash Trace Running Festival, reflecting an expanded race lineup that will now include a 5K, 10K, and Kids’ Fun Run, in addition to the marathon and half marathon. The Marathon Relay will not be offered initially, though it may return if sufficient interest is shown.

While there will be noticeable changes, many key elements will remain the same. The race will continue to take place on the second Saturday in September—September 12, 2026—and will follow the USATF-certified, Boston-Qualifying course on the scenic Wabash Trace Nature Trail. Organizers also hope for continued support from volunteers, community members, and partner organizations. Volunteers will once again play a critical role at water stations, road crossings, and the start/finish area.

As with their other events hosted in Iowa parks and trail systems, Jake and Laura are committed to donating a portion of race proceeds to support the Wabash Trace, further strengthening the partnership.

To introduce themselves and answer questions about the transition, Jake and Laura hosted an informational meeting on Monday, April 13, at the Depot in Shenandoah. Past and prospective volunteers, runners, and community members attended to meet Jake and Laura, ask questions and show their support for the transition.

Registration for the 2026 Wabash Trace Running Festival is now open at https://runsignup.com/Race/IA/Shenandoah/WabashTraceRunningFestival and will remain open through race morning, with incremental price increases.

Questions may be directed to Jake at jjass@esmcevents.com or Laura at ljass@esmcevents.com.