Dave’s Picks

 

Copper Creek Triathlon
Sunday, June 6, Pleasant Hill
www.flatlandseries.com
At exactly half the distance of an Olympic triathlon, the Copper Creek Triathlon is not just a good warm-up to longer races, but serves as a challenging sprint distance tri itself. With nearly $5,000 in prizes, many of the Midwest’s best athletes come to challenge for a piece of the pie. Others come to challenge themselves on the hilly 20K bike course and picturesque 5K run. Starting in crystal clear Copper Creek Lake, Iowa swimmers are given a treat they are not always used to —the ability to see those around them in the water. With only a week to the Hy-Vee Triathlon, Copper Creek should see record participants getting in a final warm-up race and vying for the cash purse, great swag and, of course, lots of fun.

 

Flower Power Run
Saturday, June 12
Des Moines
www.botanicalcenter.com
In its third year, the Flower Power 5K and 1-mile run/walk celebrate one of the treasures that make Des Moines a unique and interesting community — the Botanical Center. The 5K course follows the Des Moines River, passing several new and unique attractions: The Asian Gardens and Pagoda, the Principal Riverwalk bridge and the quaint East Village. After your run, where you are encouraged to sport your favorite 1970’s attire, you’ll enjoy breakfast in the beautiful outdoor botanical gardens. Every participant will receive a colorful, technical T-shirt and potted seedlings.

Photo: flower power runners

 

Dam To Dam
Saturday, June 5
Des Moines
www.damtodam.com
Over the past 31 years, Dam to Dam has become thel argest 20K race in the country with more than 6,000 participants. The point-to-point venue helps make this race unique, as runners start on the Saylorville Dam and look to the south over the Des Moines River and see downtown Des Moines, where they will finish one to two hours later. Catching their first glimpse of the finish line as they rise over the Des Moines River on Locust is one of the best views in running, as the distance, pace, heat and sun add up to make runners happy it’s nearing its end.

Photo: dam to dam

 

Iowa State Criterium Champ
Saturday, June 26
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
www.hbaracing.com
By offering two full days of racing and $8,000 in prize money, the HBA Racing Team is hoping for a large turnout for this second-year event. Bicycle racers will be vying for state championship medals and cash prizes at the downtown Cedar Rapids Criterium on Saturday. The course, a rectangular .6-mile loop, will cross the Cedar River four times per lap on the 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue bridges. A new road race will challenge racers on Sunday morning at Squaw Creek Park. Held on a 1.8-mile course, cyclists will complete as many as 12 laps, depending on category entered.

 

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