Capital Striders

Great group for a track workout in the muggy weather this morning!
If you want a new running buddy or need some extra accountability during the warm summer months, we would love for you to join us every Wednesday at 6am at the Roosevelt HS track!

The Capital Striders want to acknowledge the ongoing discussions regarding potential permitting fees for organized run clubs at Gray’s Lake. Groups like 515 Run Club contribute to a strong and connected running community, and we value having welcoming, accessible spaces where people of all experience levels can gather.

The Capital Striders will continue to support an open and inclusive running environment. Public spaces like Gray’s Lake have traditionally served as places where individuals and groups can improve their health, connect with others, and enjoy the outdoors. That history matters and deserves careful consideration as changes are discussed.

Community input plays an important role in this process. If you have perspectives on maintaining open and free access for community-run groups, you are encouraged to share them with the City of Des Moines.

If you choose to share your feedback, please keep your comments respectful and constructive so the conversation remains productive for everyone involved.

Article -
https://archive.ph/PBFrQ?fbclid=PAb21jcARl0TlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAacWJ9W6F7zj9vpYo8RgtPsQHt-V4su1IEcXaiditM9ZTh8Gd8VTbQEnwq8F6w_aem_vZ83mYAEGAMufkr2UgjIQw

We are thrilled to announce this year’s scholarship recipients!👩‍🎓👨‍🎓
We had an incredible field of applicants, but these five students stood out with their amazing accomplishments, servant-leadership, and passion for this amazing sport.
Each student was selected to receive a particular scholarship due to the character traits, interests, and skills that align with each scholarship’s namesake. Read below for the details!

Joseph Zambreno - Kinetic Edge Scholarship
The Kinetic Edge Scholarship with special thanks to Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy and Todd Schemper, a long-time Strider, who’ve donated additional scholarship funds.

Kiley Heaberlin - Dave Hurd Scholarship
Dave Hurd was an avid runner and patron of running and wellness in Central Iowa, and one of the initial members of Capital Striders.

Alyx Woodley - Stan Smith Scholarship
Stan Smith was one of the first members of the organized version of the Capital Striders, and contributed endlessly to the running community whether it be youth programs, high school, collegiate, or lifetime.

Ava Barten - Chuck Jipp Scholarship
Chuck Jipp, who lost his battle with ALS in 2000, was a long-time Striders Board Member, volunteer, and runner.

Johnny Kien - Bobenhouse-Lavender Scholarship
The Bobenhouse-Lavender Scholarship with thanks to the Bobenhouse-Lavender foundation and Nancy Lavender-Bobenhouse and Steve Bobenhouse who have supported the club in many ways, for many years. Steve was a founding member of the club and is still actively involved.

Drop a comment of congratulations, and join us at our Annual Summer Potluck on July 14th to learn more about them!

Congratulations to John Taylor on completing his 31st Boston Marathon!

As a member of the Quarter Century Club, John has completed at least 25 consecutive Boston Marathons, earning guaranteed entry into the race. This year, he proudly wore the club's special commemorative bib, which brought well-deserved congratulations from fellow runners and spectators.

After recovering from his second hip replacement in just 18 months, John showed remarkable determination by walking and running his way to another finish on one of running's biggest stages. He is already looking ahead to 2027, when he plans to complete his 32nd Boston Marathon.

Have a recent accomplishment to share? Whether it's a race result, a personal best, or a training milestone, we'd love to celebrate with you. Email [email protected] and tell us about it. We want to cheer right alongside you.

This week's Saturday morning group run includes 4-, 7-, and 13-mile routes. Join us at Mars Cafe in Des Moines at 7:30 am.

View the routes --> https://tinyurl.com/3y36a3zb

Water will be available, but we encourage you to bring your own to stay hydrated.

Congratulations to Nick and Emily Webb on an unforgettable Boston Marathon weekend! They crossed the finish line of one of the world's most iconic races and shared some wonderful news along the way - their family is growing. A baby girl will be joining them this October. Wishing the Webb family all the best in this exciting new chapter.

Have a recent accomplishment to share? Whether it's a race result, a personal best, or a training milestone, we'd love to celebrate with you. Email [email protected] and tell us about it. We want to cheer right alongside you.

This week's Saturday morning group run includes 4-, 6-, and 10-mile routes. Join us at Mars Cafe in Des Moines at 7:30 am.

View the routes --> https://tinyurl.com/3y36a3zb

Water will be available, but we encourage you to bring your own to stay hydrated.

As we wrap up the year, the Capital Striders can reflect on a year of miles, friendship, and community.

The year started with the Annual Mitten Run & Potluck , which warmed hearts and raised funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa. It was running at its best. Simple, generous, and rooted in the community. That spirit carried through our cornerstone races. Loop the Lake tested patience and pacing. Capital Pursuit brought speed and grit to Easter Lake. To Grandmother’s House We Go blended tradition with leaf-covered miles. The Sycamore 8 Trail Race pushed us off the pavement and reminded us that strength is built on uneven ground.

Week after week, Saturday morning runs showed what consistency looks like. No fanfare. Just people showing up for each other. Summer track workouts brought back the basics. Laps, effort, coaching from the sidelines, and the quiet satisfaction of doing hard things together.

Most important were the people. New friendships formed. Old ones deepened. Personal bests were achieved. First races, longest runs, comeback miles, and quiet milestones. The Capital Striders continue to prove that running is not only about speed or distance. It is about belonging, discipline, and shared purpose.

We will carry that forward into the miles ahead.

Photo: Terry Kruse