WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – More than 12,500 athletes checked in at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex for the 2025 National Senior Games. 

It’s the first time that the National Senior Games have come to Iowa with 26 events for those thousands of athletes. Competitors have to be at least 50-years-old to compete, and have qualified for the event in their state senior games the year prior.

“I’m very excited just to see getting the awareness out there. What do you know? There is a place for athletes over the age of 50 to participate and we’re the largest multi-sport event in the country. So, it’s great to see the athletes coming out and participating and doing something they love and spending time with friends and being social as well,” said Susan Hlavacek, President and CEO of the National Senior Games Association.

Events are held all over the metro from July 24 to August 4. From the downtown YMCA, pickleball at the Grimes Plex, road races at Water Works Park, the one-mile race by the Iowa State Capitol on Friday, and more.

With the heatwave giving a warm welcome to those traveling to Iowa to compete, the games have been preparing for the last two years on emergency management procedures.

“We work closely with the emergency management group in Des Moines and we’re prepared for the hydration. We have athletic trainers at every venue and we have EMS at most of our cycling races,” said Hlavacek. “We are fully set up for sure.”

The planning has gone on for the last two years from an emergency management standpoint. Local athletic trainers will be at every event with EMS crews at events that would benefit the most from the medical presence.

Several dozen staff for the games are in town, and keeping those workers hydrated is also a top priority.

“Got to stay hydrated because it is going to be warm and the heat index is pretty high,” said Hlavacek.

Hlavacek is excited for those in central Iowa to see the athletes compete in the week coming up, and uses every National Senior Games event to spread awareness.

For those interested in a list of scheduling for the event, visit The National Senior Games Association’s website.

Metro News: