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IMT Des Moines Marathon - Early Bird

IMT Des Moines Marathon - Early Bird

The IMT Des Moines Marathon offers a flat, fast, Boston Qualifier course with high-end swag and spectator 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, 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 1 Miles
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed

Highlights

Good For

BQ RelevantPR FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Spectator SupportGreat MedalGreat Swag

Course

Fast Flat

The Experience

The IMT Des Moines Marathon, first run in 2002 and now in its 23rd year, has evolved into a beloved institution for runners of all abilities. It champions health and wellness through community running events, offering a full marathon, half marathon, 5K, and a kids' run.

Runners can expect a new, flat, and fast course designed for achieving personal bests and Boston Qualifier times. The event boasts high-end runner swag and medals, along with significant spectator support throughout the route, creating a lively race-day atmosphere. This combination of a fast course, quality perks, and community engagement makes the IMT Des Moines Marathon a standout event.

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

Athlete Swag Item

Start Location

400 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50309

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

26.2 Miles6.2 Miles3.1 Miles1 Miles

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 & details3/15

3 timing sources

National draw0/10

no finisher data yet

Front-pack speed0/5

no winner time yet

Weather8/10

typical high 65°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

46°

Afternoon (High)

65°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.0"

Precipitation

13 mph

Wind

57%

Humidity

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the IMT Des Moines Marathon - Early Bird?

The IMT Des Moines Marathon - Early Bird is held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.

Where does the IMT Des Moines Marathon - Early Bird take place?

It takes place in Des Moines, Iowa.

What distances does the IMT Des Moines Marathon - Early Bird offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 1 Miles.

Is the IMT Des Moines Marathon - Early Bird course flat and good for a PR?

The IMT Des Moines Marathon - Early Bird is a ultra-flat, loop course course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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