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Death by 5k Waterloo race photo

Death by 5k Waterloo

The city you want to run becomes your next trip.

USMay 15, 202750km
*rboed* · flickr (CC BY)
Race date in 218 days
May 15, 2027 Sat
City · Distance
Waterloo · 50km
Entry fee
$155Varies by event and entry period
Status
OpenTBD ~ Mon, May 10, 2027See how to enter ↗
Official website ↗D-day as of Oct 9, 2026
Death by 5k Waterloo race photo
*rboed* · flickr (CC BY)
About the raceRunner storiesHow to enterCourseRace PrepTravel
Why you dream of this race

THE DREAM

About Death by 5k Waterloo — what makes it special

ABOUT THE RACE

A day you'll remember,
long past the finish line.

This is the 4th edition of the race.

It's an elimination-format race in which runners repeat a 5k loop at set time intervals.

The road to your own record

Picture the course in advance
and find the pace that fits you.

When the city cheers

Streets lined with cheers, runners all around.
You'll be part of that scene.

The trip that follows the run

Take it slow with the finish still in you,
and meet the city all over again.

Death by 5k Waterloo runner reviews and race reports

Stories from those who ran it first.

From the joy of finishing to the tough moments — read what runners wrote themselves.

Race reports: 1
RunningEraElzeinRan in 2024
“WE DID IT! Neither of us walked a single run.”

At the 2024 Waterloo Death by 5km, the runner and their husband completed ten 5km runs over 24 hours. They ran every leg without walking despite daytime heat and a lack of sleep overnight, and appreciated the hot meals and friendly organizers.

Read the original on Reddit r/running

We translated a short line from each public race report and summarized the experience. Finish times are as stated by the author, and past editions may differ from this year's weather and operations.

See it on video,
feel it through their stories.

Preview the course and read what runners who went before you wrote.

I tried the Death By 5K race (24 hours, 10 5Ks)

Project Nito

View on YouTube

This may be from a past edition. Check the organizer for this year's course and operations.

The way in that fits you

YOUR ENTRY

How to enter Death by 5k Waterloo — registration routes

How to reach the start line —
start with what fits you.

Here are the ways to enter and what each requires.
Check the organizer's page for whether entries are open.

Ultra

Entry cost $155

24 Hour Challenge · until Oct 31, 2026 · subject to change — verify officially

Organizer's page

Registration platform RunSignup

Official race websiteEntry options
From the start line to the finish

RACE WEEK

Death by 5k Waterloo course map and elevation

The 50km I'll run

Know the course and time limit, and race day comes into focus.

Runners start · local timeFrom 08:00
START

3659 Eight Road, Waterloo, IA

Start · Google Maps

The only event is the 24 Hour Challenge.

The start is at 3659 Wyth Road, Waterloo, IA, at 8:00 AM local time.

Typical race-season temperature: around 15°C (60°F)
Short sleeves or light long sleeves + arm warmers

Participant benefits

Not yet confirmed in the official race guide

Where and when to collect your Death by 5k Waterloo race bib

To the start line,
step by step.

Pick up your bib, check your wave.
So on race morning, you can just run.

Stations & transport near the venue

  • Getting to the startNo confirmed direct MET Transit (Waterloo/Cedar Falls) route serving George Wyth State Park
  • IC cardLocal Metropolitan Transit Authority buses exist for city residents but are not a practical or…

Source · checked Aug 24, 2026

More details

Getting to the start

No confirmed direct MET Transit (Waterloo/Cedar Falls) route serving George Wyth State Park

Venue: George Wyth State Park, Race HQ at Canfield Shelter, 3659 Wyth Road, Waterloo, IA 50703, off Highway 218. MET Transit operates 12 routes in Waterloo/Cedar Falls but none confirmed reaching this state park directly. Date confirmed via RunSignUp: May 15-16, 2027, matches given date 2027-05-15. Car access is the practical option for this state park venue.

Map

Getting to the finish

Same as start (out-and-back on paved Cedar Valley Lakes Trail)

Finish is at the same Canfield Shelter/Race HQ.

Map

Start shuttle

No organizer shuttle identified.

Source · checked Aug 24, 2026
READY TO RUN

From race morning to after the finish.

Your start time, fuel and bag drop.
Know them ahead and the run feels easier.

Entry fee uses a tiered pricing structure that increases over time.

It starts at $155 and rises to $165 as the race date approaches.

Registration is handled through the RunSignup platform.

Times are local to Waterloo. Check the latest official information before the race.

A trip built around the race

STAY A LITTLE

MAKE IT A RUNTRIP

The race is one day,
the trip can be longer.

From a hotel that makes race morning easy,
to the meals and views you'll enjoy with the medal on.

Waterloo car rental (EconomyBookings)

Compare rates from various rental car companies, self-drive (price confirmed at time of reservation) · Make reservation after checking price

View on EconomyBookings

Hotels near the Death by 5k Waterloo start line in

Hotels that make race morning easy

View all →

Distances are straight-line from the start.
Check real travel times and booking terms with each hotel.

Swipe sideways to see more hotels.

Time for you, before and after the finish

View all →

Rest a little, wander a little.
Pick what suits you and whoever you're with.

Waterloo car rental (EconomyBookings)

Compare rates from various rental car companies, self-drive (price confirmed at time of reservation) · Make reservation after checking price

View on EconomyBookings
Eating well is part of the tripA meal before the race, a dinner to celebrate the finish.View on mapSeeing Waterloo with the medal onThe city you ran — this time, a little slower.View on map

Hotel distances are straight-line from the start. Experiences, food and sights are travel products in Waterloo.

Total cost and budget for Death by 5k Waterloo

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Trip prep too,
light and in one place.

ChecklistLocal eSIM · Trip.comFlight delay or cancellation compensation · AirHelpPace calculator

Once saved, you can open this page without an internet connection

Runner stories and questions about Death by 5k Waterloo

RUN TOGETHER

With runners who dream of
the same start line.

Be the first runner
Leave this room's first post

Waterloo runners' room

Frequently asked questions about Death by 5k Waterloo

FAQ
When does Death by 5k Waterloo 2027 take place?

It takes place on Sat, May 15, 2027 in Waterloo, IA, United States.

How much is the Death by 5k Waterloo 2027 entry fee?

The main event costs $155.

What distances does Death by 5k Waterloo 2027 offer?

Ultra.

What time does Death by 5k Waterloo 2027 start?

The race starts at 08:00.

Where does Death by 5k Waterloo 2027 start?

3659 Eight Road, Waterloo, IA.

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