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." "Running it Forward." we organize and host local running events so that we can put that money back into the local running community, whether that be through updating the trails, adding water fountains, educating the next generation of runners, providing time/space for runners to come together or just overall enhancing the Central Iowa running experience. We are proud members of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) and are proud to be a part of Des Moines receiving recognition of 2012 Outstanding Runner Friendly Community.