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Marshalltown welcomes riders from all over the world and shows what community looks like

As the last riders rolled out of town and the barricades were put away, one thing became abundantly clear: Marshalltown didn’t just host RAGBRAI -- we embraced it.

Welcoming thousands of riders and visitors for an overnight stay was an incredible opportunity to showcase our community, and because of the dedication, generosity, and hospitality of so many, Marshalltown delivered an experience that riders will remember for years to come. We've heard so many riders say Marshalltown was their favorite overnight and that makes us incredibly proud!

To our sponsors, thank you for believing in this event and investing in our community. 'A' Side Presenting Sponsor: Emerson. 'B' Side Sponsors: JBS and NextEra Energy. Featured Track Sponsors: Alliant Energy and First Interstate Bank. Bonus Track Sponsors: Alkegen, Hy-Vee, M. Gervich & Sons and Pinnacle Bank. Mixtape Sponsors: Alerus, MARSHALLTOWN and MechDyne. T-shirt Sponsor: Top Notch Tree Service. Map Sponsor: City of Marshalltown, Kyley Leger Marketing, Liminoid Group, Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce, Marshalltown Central Business District, and Print101. Your support helped create an unforgettable experience for riders and residents alike.

A special thank you goes to our Executive Planning Committee, whose countless hours of planning, problem-solving, and collaboration made this event possible. Months of preparation happened long before the first bicycle entered town, and your leadership was instrumental to our success. Thank you to Deirdre Gruendler, Danielle Lekin and Carol Webb.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to the City of Marshalltown, Marshall County, and the Marshalltown Community School District. Your partnership, resources, and commitment ensured that our community was prepared to welcome thousands of guests safely and successfully. This event truly demonstrated what can be accomplished when local organizations work together toward a common goal.

To our volunteers, thank you for giving your time, energy, and smiles. Whether you welcomed riders, directed traffic, staffed information booths, supported entertainment, assisted with camping, or worked behind the scenes, you represented the very best of Marshalltown. Your kindness and willingness to help made a lasting impression.

Thank you to our local businesses, restaurants, churches, civic organizations, nonprofits, public safety personnel, city staff, and community partners who opened your doors, extended your hours, and helped create a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere throughout the city.

Most importantly, thank you to the Marshalltown community. You welcomed visitors with enthusiasm, pride, and genuine Iowa hospitality. From front-yard cheering sections to conversations on downtown sidewalks, you showed that “All Wheels Welcome” wasn’t simply our theme it was a promise we lived out.

Hosting RAGBRAI was about more than one day or one event. It was an opportunity to tell Marshalltown’s story. To highlight our resilience, our generosity, our vibrant downtown, and the people who make this community such a special place to call home.

Together, we showed thousands of visitors what we’ve always known: Marshalltown is a community that comes together, rises to every challenge, and welcomes others with open arms.

Thank you for making this an unforgettable experience. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Marshalltown -- you made us proud!