WHY TAKE PART?
Break the Cycle hosts ultra-endurance cycling and running events to raise awareness and funds for real victims of human trafficking and modern-day slavery. There are more than 50 million victims, according to the Global Slavery Index. Shockingly, 1.7 million of them are kids who have been forced into sexual exploitation.
Break the Cycle participants give voice to the issue and raise funds for Hope for Justice to help rescue and restore real victims in the U.S. and around the world.
2025 EVENTS
June 7 - Break the Cycle Challenge Ride
Our 2025 events kick off with the Break the Cycle Challenge Ride on June 7. Featuring 3 different route distances of 25, 50 or 100 miles, the Challenge Ride has an option for all levels of cyclist. All distances start and finish at Firetrucker Brewery in Ankeny, utilizing the scenic High Trestle Trail. The 100 mile option will continue to the Raccoon River Valley Trail via the new Woodward to Perry connector. All riders are invited to the post-ride lunch and celebration at Firetrucker Brewery!
- 25 Mile - Start time 9:00am - Route Map
- 50 Mile - Start time 9:00am - Route Map
- 100 Mile - Start time 6:00am - Route Map
See Frequently Asked Questions section below for more details.
June 14 - Break the Cycle 5K All Day
It's not all about the cycling either! The Break the Cycle 5K All Day is June 14 and held at Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines.
The 5K All Day is an all-day team endurance run, ruck and walk event that raises awareness and funds for real survivors of modern slavery. Challenge yourself to run, ruck or walk (or all three!) as many 5K's as you choose, from sunup to sundown. The goal is to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Everyone completes as much or as little as they want.
See Frequently Asked Questions section below for more details.
June 20 - Break the Cycle 200 Ride
Our flagship event is the Break the Cycle 200 Ride on June 20. During this event, an amazing group of cyclists will ride 200 miles from Des Moines to Okoboji in a single day. This ultra-endurance ride is not easy. Departing from Des Moines before sunrise, riders work hard all day to arrive before sunset in Okoboji. The pace is kept between 18-22 mph, in a tight peloton, with SAG vehicles for protection.
See Frequently Asked Questions section below for more details.
We do tough things for people in tough places. Whichever event(s) you choose, you will be joining the Break the Cycle team and helping to raise funds and awareness for this important cause!
Choose your favorite(s) or sign up for them all!
We're raising funds to make a difference in the lives of victims of human trafficking!
Once registered, you'll be able to recruit your friends and family to support you and help in your fundraising efforts.
Not a cyclist or runner but want to help? Please consider volunteering, making a donation or supporting the participants with their fundraising.
REGISTRATION
Last day to register is June 1st!
BTC Challenge Ride (June 7)
$50.00 (25 miles)
$100.00 (50 & 100 miles)
BTC 5K All Day (June 14)
$50.00
BTC 200 Ride (June 20)
$200.00
Break the Cycle and Hope for Justice
When you sign up for a Break the Cycle event, you aren’t just registering for an endurance event. You’re joining a movement to end the exploitation of some of the most vulnerable people in the world.
SUPPORT A FUNDRAISER
Search for a fundraiser to support
EVENT FAQs
June 7 - Break the Cycle Challenge Ride
Where does the event take place?
Start/finish is at Firetrucker Brewing, 716 SW 3rd St, Ankeny, IA.
What are the start times and routes?
- 25 Mile - Start time 9:00am - Route Map
North on High Trestle Trail (HTT). Pass thru Sheldahl, continue 12.5 miles to the Slater turnaround point. Water is available outside Nighthawk Bar & Grill, just off HTT. Turn around to go south and follow HTT route in reverse 12.5 miles to finish.
- 50 Mile - Start time 9:00am - Route Map
North on High Trestle Trail (HTT). Pass thru Sheldahl, Slater and Madrid to the 25 mile halfway point in Woodward. First Aid, hydration and nutrition available here. Turn around and follow HTT 25 miles back to the finish at Firetrucker in Ankeny.
- 100 Mile - Start time 6:00am - Route Map
North on High Trestle Trail (HTT). Pass thru Sheldahl, Slater and Madrid to the 25 mile point in Woodward. First Aid, hydration and nutrition available here. Continue west on the trail connector to Perry. From Perry, turn southeast onto the Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT) and continue to the 50 mile halfway point in Dallas Center. First Aid, hydration and nutrition available. Turn around and follow RRVT northwest back to Perry. From Perry, turn east onto the connector and continue to the 75 mile point in Woodward. From Woodward, follow HTT 25 miles back to the finish at Firetrucker in Ankeny.
What Do I Get?
Registration includes a T-shirt, BTC Jersey (50 and 100 Mile options) limited bike repair at start/aid stations, ride nutrition, ride support and finish line meal & celebration at Firetrucker.
Questions Regarding Training or Fundraising?
Click here for training, fitness and fundraising tips to help you prepare for your Break the Cycle ride.
June 14 - Break the Cycle 5K All Day
Where does the event take place?
Raccoon River Park, 2500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA.
What are the start times and routes?
Starting at 7:00am, it is an all-day team endurance run, ruck and walk event ending at 7:00pm. The route is within the trail loop of the park.
What Do I Get?
Registration includes a t-shirt, run nutrition, and run support.
Questions Regarding Training or Fundraising?
Click here for training, fitness and fundraising tips to help you prepare for your Break the Cycle 5K All Day.
June 20 - Break the Cycle 200 Ride
Where does the event take place?
200 miles of highway riding from Des Moines to Okoboji.
What are the start times and routes?
Ride departs before sunrise. Exact route TBD. A ride pace of 18-22 mph is kept, in a tight peleton, with Sag vehicles for protection.
What do I get?
Registration includes a t-shirt, full cycling kit, ride nutrition, ride support and the finish line meal in Okoboji.
Questions Regarding Training or Fundraising?
Click here for training, fitness and fundraising tips to help you prepare for your Break the Cycle ride.