Holiday 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Des Moines, IA (50)
Des Moines' Holiday races offer a festive winter challenge with holiday spirit and community.
Race Date
Dec 12, 2026
Location
Des Moines, IA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Location
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Holiday 5K, 10K, & 13.1M in Des Moines brings a festive spirit to winter running. This series, first run in 2022 and now in its third year, attracts runners from across the region for a unique holiday-themed event.
The courses are primarily out-and-back loops, designed for speed with minimal elevation changes. The 5K and 10K utilize a 3.11-mile out-and-back, while the half marathon extends this to four repetitions. The time limit of 3 hours and 30 minutes accommodates a wide range of runners.
Participants can expect a community-focused atmosphere, with awards for best costumes adding to the holiday cheer. The event is organized by US Road Running, known for its series of races across the country, and offers finisher medals and series points for dedicated participants.
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 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. Course Time Limit 3 hours and 30 minutes. 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, December 12, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Start Location
2816 Shoreline Road, Des Moines, IA, 50320
Course Info
Course Type
Out & Back
Terrain
road
Scenery
Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Course Map
Quality Score
first year
no finisher counts yet
small race — neutral
needs a few years of results
limited extras
no finisher data yet
no winner time yet
typical high 39°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
25°
Afternoon (High)
39°
Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times
0.1"
Precipitation
13 mph
Wind
74%
Humidity
Frequently asked
When is the Holiday 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Des Moines, IA (50)?
The Holiday 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Des Moines, IA (50) is held on Saturday, December 12, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Holiday 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Des Moines, IA (50) take place?
It takes place in Des Moines, Iowa.
What distances does the Holiday 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Des Moines, IA (50) offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the Holiday 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Des Moines, IA (50) course flat and good for a PR?
The Holiday 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Des Moines, IA (50) is a ultra-flat, out & back course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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