
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
Atmosphere
Course
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
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
first year
no finisher counts yet
small race — neutral
needs a few years of results
3 timing sources
no finisher data yet
no winner time yet
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
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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