The Capital Striders were formed in the mid-1980′s to promote running in Central Iowa. Things have changed a bit over the last 20+ years, but the Striders have always been there for the elite as well as the beginning runner.
Officially incorporated in 2003, our main purpose as an organization is to, “Promote and encourage running through the education of the community on the benefits of physical fitness and amateur sport.”
Being a running club it’s only natural that we put on a couple of running races ourselves. At present we have two: Loop the Lake on Memorial Day weekend and Capital Pursuit on Labor Day weekend. In addition, we sponsor a number of other races in the Greater Des Moines area. One of the benefits of membership is a reduced entry fee at most of these events.
The Striders are philanthropic in giving back to our communities. Over the years the Capital Striders have made contributions to area youth track clubs, the Des Moines Riverwalk project, the Des Moines Parks & Rec. Department, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Living History Farms. And let’s not forget our scholarship program. The Striders give back.
It’s hard to find a friendlier group than a bunch of runners. We train and run hard (well, some of us do), and we all like to play hard. The Striders host a variety of social events throughout the year starting out on New Year’s Day with a run and potluck. Our Annual Meeting and Dinner comes along in March and a late summer picnic in August mark the permanent social schedule. However, new social opportunities are cropping up all the time so check this site often for updates.
You’re a runner. You live in or fairly near to Des Moines. You should be a Strider. We’d love to have you join us. The benefits of membership are numerous and more than pay for your annual membership. So, what are you waiting for?