Des Moines Marathon

View on map
Sports & AdventureDes Moines
DatesDates TBA · Usually OctoberCheck locally before booking
DurationAutumnEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceAs a Boston Marathon qualifier held in
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Des Moines Marathon in Des Moines

The IMT Des Moines Marathon is a real annual marathon and race weekend held every October in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, established in 2002 and serving as a Boston Marathon qualifier. Race weekend includes a Saturday 5-mile run and kids' races plus a Sunday lineup of the full marathon, half marathon, Bankers Trust Marathon Relay, and Principal 5K, drawing more than 9,000 participants through the city's skyline, parks, and neighborhoods.

The Des Moines Marathon began in 2002 as a downtown road race in Iowa's capital, at a time when mid-sized American cities were increasingly building marathons as both athletic events and civic showcases.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

As a Boston Marathon qualifier held in mid-October, the race draws serious competitive runners alongside first-time marathoners, and its course is built entirely around downtown Des Moines rather than looping through suburbs, showcasing the city skyline, riverside parks, and residential neighborhoods along the route

02

The mystery stays covered

The event has repeatedly been ranked among the country's best marathons, including a BibRave listing among the decade's top 20 marathons in the United States

03

The city starts moving

Race weekend layers multiple distances into one event, a Saturday 5-mile run and youth races followed by Sunday's marathon, half marathon, relay, and 5K, so runners of very different experience levels can take part in the same weekend without all committing to 26

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Race weekend keeps a layered

Water and renewal

Living ritual

multi-distance tradition rather than a single marathon-day format: a Saturday afternoon 5-mile run and separate youth races precede Sunday's main event

The sacred route

Living ritual

which itself bundles the marathon

The local code

Living ritual

half marathon

Tradition 5

Living ritual

the Bankers Trust Marathon Relay for teams

Tradition 6

Living ritual

and the Principal 5K into one shared start and finish in downtown Des Moines

Tradition 7

Living ritual

As a Boston Marathon qualifier

Tradition 8

Living ritual

the race also follows the pacing and certification conventions expected of qualifying courses

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually October

Getting around

For route-based days, arrive early and expect normal streets around Des Moines to work differently.

What to wear

Layered running gear suits mid-October Iowa weather, which typically ranges from cool mornings in the 40s to 50s Fahrenheit warming into the 60s by afternoon, though colder snaps and rain...

Safety

At Des Moines Marathon, respect barriers, moving equipment and marshal guidance; photos are never worth stepping into active areas.

Where to stay

Choose lodging by the part of Des Moines you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map41.60 N, 93.61 WOpen in Google Maps

Des Moines, IA

Nearest airportDSM — Des Moines
TransportFor route-based days, arrive early and expect normal streets around Des Moines to work differently.
Stay areaChoose lodging by the part of Des Moines you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Des Moines via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Des Moines, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for October.Compare faresFestival gearLayered running gear suits mid-October Iowa weather, which typically ranges from cool mornings in the 40s to 50s Fahrenheit warming into the 60s by afternoon, though colder snaps and rain are possible; moisture-wicking layers that can be shed and discarded along the course work best for the marathon and half marathon.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Des Moines Marathon?

Des Moines Marathon is listed for October · Autumn. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Des Moines Marathon take place?

The festival is listed in Des Moines, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Autumn is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Des Moines, IA

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLdesmoinesmarathon.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually October
Source statusOfficial source linked
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