Drake Road Races
Drake Road Races: flat, fast half marathon tied to historic Drake Relays.
Race Date
Apr 17, 2027
Location
Des Moines, IA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, April 17, 2027
- Location
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 10K, 5K, 13.1 Miles
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Drake Road Races, now in its 10th edition, anchors the half-marathon distance within the storied Drake Relays weekend in Des Moines. This flat, USATF-certified course draws about 840 runners from across 22 states, with a repeat rate of 34%—evidence of its dependable appeal. The point-to-point route features a gentle downhill profile ideal for chasing personal records.
Runners cover city streets in the heart of Iowa's capital, with race-day conditions typically hovering in the 40s to 50s and low chance of rain. The atmosphere blends the prestige of a historic track festival with a welcoming, community-oriented vibe. Post-race, finishers receive a premium apparel item, adding to the event's strong value. With a median finishing field of around 793 and growing, the Drake Road Races has carved a niche as a must-run for those seeking a fast, well-supported half-marathon experience.
Race-provided description
-
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, April 17, 2027
Start Time
7:30 AM
Giveaway
Premium Apparel Item
Start Location
Drake Stadium, Des Moines, IA, 50311
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
+0.14 m
Separation
0.5%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
IA18004MF · Drake Relays Road Races Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite9210 years running
~793 finishers a year
growing or steady
34% returning runners
USATF certified · 6 timing sources
runners from 22 states
winner 1:10:45
typical high 58°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
40°
Afternoon (High)
57°
Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable
0.1"
Precipitation
15 mph
Wind
59%
Humidity
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Drake Road Races?
The Drake Road Races is held on Saturday, April 17, 2027, starting at 7:30 AM.
Where does the Drake Road Races take place?
It takes place in Des Moines, Iowa.
What distances does the Drake Road Races offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 10K, 5K, 13.1 Miles.
Is the Drake Road Races course flat and good for a PR?
The Drake Road Races is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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