Kewash Half Marathon April 29 2023

The Kewash Half Marathon, 10K & 5K Run is an annual event that takes place on a former railroad bed turned nature trail, which stretches for nearly 14 miles between the towns of Keota and Washington in Iowa. The section of the trail used for the race runs between West Chester and Washington and has a crushed limestone surface for some of its route, with the portion within Washington's city limits paved with asphalt.

The course offers runners a scenic view of the surrounding rolling countryside, as it winds its way through a mix of woodland and prairie. The Kewash Trail is a natural corridor teeming with wildlife and wildflowers, making for a picturesque and immersive running experience. Some of the highlights along the trail include Willow Pond, Hayes Timber, and The Crooked Creek Bridge, which is one of the most scenic spots on the route.

The race will start and finish just off the town square and offers three different distance options: the Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K. The course is an out-and-back route that is fast and non-technical, with a gradual decline and incline and some flat areas. While there are some short small hills along the way, the course is not considered hilly by any means.

Overall, the Kewash Half Marathon, 10K & 5K Run is a fantastic opportunity for runners to experience the beauty of Iowa's natural landscapes while testing their endurance on a well-organized and accessible course.

Barkley, a standard poodle, will be joining me for the Kewash Half Marathon. This will be my fourth time running the race, and Barkley's second. We are excited to participate in our second race this year, and we have been training diligently to prepare for the challenge ahead.

As a team, Barkley and I have a strong bond, and we love the opportunity to run together in these events. Barkley is a fantastic running partner.

We are both looking forward to the beautiful scenery along the Kewash Trail and the chance to test our limits on the non-technical, but challenging course. With Barkley by my side, I am confident that we will have a great race and finish strong.