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Haunted 5K, 10K, 13.1M & 26.2M at Des Moines, IA (41)

Haunted 5K, 10K, 13.1M & 26.2M at Des Moines, IA (41)

Des Moines' Haunted races offer a unique blend of spooky fun and serious running.

Race Date

Oct 10, 2026

Location

Des Moines, IA

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Location
Des Moines, Iowa
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi)
Course
Out & Back
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed

Highlights

Good For

PR FriendlyBeginner Friendly

Atmosphere

Party FinishGreat MedalWell Organized

Course

Fast Flat

The Experience

The Haunted races in Des Moines transform the city's paths into a festive, fall-themed running event. Runners can choose from a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or full marathon, all starting at 8:00 AM under typical autumn skies, with average temperatures ranging from 51–70°F.

The courses are primarily out-and-back routes, offering a straightforward path for runners aiming for personal bests. The 5K and 10K utilize a 3.11-mile out-and-back, while the half and full marathons extend this loop for their respective distances. The generous 6-hour time limit ensures that participants of all paces can enjoy the experience.

Beyond the running, the event embraces its 'Haunted' theme with awards for the best costumes, adding a playful element to the competition. Finisher medals and series points are awarded, recognizing the efforts of all participants. This event, organized by US Road Running, provides a well-supported and engaging race day for the Des Moines running community.

Race-provided description

Race Information The race starts at 8:00 AM. Packet pickup starts 30 minutes before the race and ends 10 minutes before the race starts. All runners must register on RunSignup.  No on-site registration. Additional Information Bathrooms https://maps.app.goo.gl/NMdTCVYMQfSgAAZp6 Parking near start https://maps.app.goo.gl/8uJvLqbPSFxA8Wke8 5K & 10K Course (1.56M) https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6713230542/ The course is an out-and-back (3.11M) The 5K does the out-and-back one time. The 10K does the out-and-back two times. Half Marathon & Marathon Course (1.64M) https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6657429743/  The course is an out-and-back (3.28M). The Half Marathon does the out-and-back four times. The Marathon does the out-and-back eight times. Course Time Limit 6 hours. Finisher Medals https://usroadrunning.com/FinisherMedals.php  Best Costume https://usroadrunning.com/BestCostume.php  Series Points https://usroadrunning.com/S.php Awards https://usroadrunning.com/Awards.php Frequently Asked Questions and Information https://usroadrunning.com/FAQ.php US Road Running https://usroadrunning.com

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Start Time

8:00 AM

Start Location

2816 Shoreline Road, Des Moines, IA, 50320

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Out & Back

Terrain

road

Scenery

Urban

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Course Map

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage0/20

first year

Size0/15

no finisher counts yet

Momentum3/5

small race — neutral

Loyalty0/20

needs a few years of results

Course & details2/15

limited extras

National draw0/10

no finisher data yet

Front-pack speed0/5

no winner time yet

Weather5/10

typical high 70°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

51°

Afternoon (High)

70°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.1"

Precipitation

12 mph

Wind

61%

Humidity

Frequently asked

When is the Haunted 5K, 10K, 13.1M & 26.2M at Des Moines, IA (41)?

The Haunted 5K, 10K, 13.1M & 26.2M at Des Moines, IA (41) is held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.

Where does the Haunted 5K, 10K, 13.1M & 26.2M at Des Moines, IA (41) take place?

It takes place in Des Moines, Iowa.

What distances does the Haunted 5K, 10K, 13.1M & 26.2M at Des Moines, IA (41) offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles).

Is the Haunted 5K, 10K, 13.1M & 26.2M at Des Moines, IA (41) course flat and good for a PR?

The Haunted 5K, 10K, 13.1M & 26.2M at Des Moines, IA (41) is a ultra-flat, out & back course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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