The Wabash Trace Marathon in Council Bluffs, Iowa, offers a distinct challenge for runners and hikers alike: a full 26.2 miles along a rail-trail carved through woodlands, small towns, and rolling terrain. Far from a simple footpath, this marathon route follows the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, a converted rail corridor that dares you to keep pace with its steady, uncompromising stretch. The course layers a mixture of crushed limestone surfaces, gentle grades, and open stretches where the wind pushes forward like a persistent companion.

Starting near Council Bluffs, the trail guides adventurers through dense groves where the rustle of leaves answers footsteps, and bursts of sunlight play against the bark. Elevation gain is modest, about 300 feet overall, but the endurance demanded is real—this is a marathon that invites steady, measured effort rather than quick sprints. You'll cross small creeks that flicker along the edges, daring you to notice the subtle shifts in the environment. The trail isn’t just a path; it’s a living corridor tracking Iowa’s transformation from industrial byway to outdoor refuge.

Planning for the Wabash Trace Marathon means preparing for the trail's practical realities. Footwear with good traction on limestone dust is crucial—slick soles mean slipping over loose surfaces. Hydration can’t be an afterthought; aid stations are spaced but limited, so carrying a hydration pack or bottles is wise, especially in warmer months. The trail’s linear nature means support often waits at predictable intervals, but self-sufficiency fuels success.

Timing your run early in the day helps avoid midday heat and positions you for cooler air and softer light on your return. The route is open and exposed in places, with few shelter options if weather turns fierce. The marathon reflects the environment’s straightforwardness—it neither pities nor softens the challenge but grants a clear field where each stride connects you with the trail’s history and landscape.

For hikers considering the marathon distance, it’s a feat of pacing and stamina. The wooded sections breathe life into weary steps, while open views remind you of Iowa’s quietly powerful landscapes. The Wabash Trace is fiercely itself—persistent, unrelenting, but fair. In approaching it with respect and preparation, you’ll encounter a route that rewards focus, endurance, and an eye open to nature’s subtle offerings.

Whether you come to race the clock or absorb the trail in slower rhythm, the Wabash Trace Marathon lets you engage with an underappreciated chunk of Iowa’s outdoors. It’s not flashy or applause-inducing, just raw and real. And for those seeking a grounded adventure that demands smooth preparation and steady resolve, it answers the call.