IMT Des Moines Marathon
The IMT Des Moines Marathon offers a flat, fast, and affordable race experience with strong community support.
Race Date
Oct 18, 2026
Location
Des Moines, IA
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, October 18, 2026
- Location
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 6.2 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 66,884
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Celebrating its 25th year, the IMT Des Moines Marathon has become a fixture in the running community, drawing participants from approximately 48 states. Since its inception in 2002, this event has grown into a significant race, with recent editions seeing around 3,115 finishers and a notable repeat-runner loyalty of about 23%.
The course, recently updated in 2024, is specifically designed to be flat and fast, presenting a prime opportunity for runners aiming for a Boston Qualifier or a personal best. This focus on a swift, certified course, coupled with ample spectator support along the route, creates an electric atmosphere for participants of all levels.
Beyond the race itself, the IMT Des Moines Marathon is celebrated for its value, offering high-end swag, impressive medals, and a welcoming environment that showcases Des Moines as a vibrant city. With multiple distances available, including a marathon, half marathon, 5K, and a kids' run, it’s a comprehensive event for the whole family.
Race-provided description
The IMT Des Moines Marathon advocates for individuals who actively participate in their health and wellness by engaging, coordinating, and providing community-related running events and initiatives. The IMT Des Moines Marathon has everything a major marathon has at a fraction of the price! Our new flat and fast course gives runners a great opportunity to finally get the Boston Qualifier or PR. High-end runner SWAG and medals elevate the weekend to the next level. Tons of spectator support throughout the route. These, along with many more features, is what makes the IMT Des Moines Marathon special.
Since its inception in 2002, the IMT Des Moines Marathon has provided a positive image of Des Moines as a place to live, work, and play by offering race distances for athletes of all ages and abilities, including the IMT Des Moines Marathon & half marathon, Bankers Trust marathon relay, 5K and a FREE Kids Run. The IMT Des Moines Marathon has won several awards including the top marathon in the state, top 20 marathon's in the nation and many more! Come to Des Moines for a family friendly, affordable, and booming city. The new courses, debuting in 2024, are flat, fast, Boston Qualifier's, and spectator friendly.
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
Jacket
Start Location
400 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50309
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
IA25006MF · IMT Des Moines Half Marathon 2025
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite9524 years running
~3,052 finishers a year
growing or steady
23% returning runners
USATF certified · 6 timing sources
runners from 48 states
winner 1:05:02
typical high 65°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
46°
Afternoon (High)
65°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.0"
Precipitation
13 mph
Wind
57%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 66,884 finishers actually crossed the line across 24 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
66,884
Median time
2:10:34
Latest turnout
3,115
States
51
Turnout by year
2018–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the IMT Des Moines Marathon?
The IMT Des Moines Marathon is held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the IMT Des Moines Marathon take place?
It takes place in Des Moines, Iowa.
What distances does the IMT Des Moines Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 6.2 Miles.
Is the IMT Des Moines Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The IMT Des Moines Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the IMT Des Moines Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 66,884 runners who have completed the IMT Des Moines Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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