Where: All races start and finish at Nollen Plaza, 400 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Description: Iowa’s largest and fastest marathon offers a premier event that will validate YOUR commitment to training, challenge YOUR endurance and reward YOU with a life changing experience.
Experience the IMT Des Moines Marathon on Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 8:00 am.
“If you like friendly people, fun activities and well organized events, come to the IMT Des Moines Marathon. It should be on every marathoner’s to do list,” Jeff Galloway, U.S. Olympian and Runner’s World editor/columnist.
Race day features the IMT Des Moines Marathon, Half Marathon, 5-Person Marathon Relay Challenge and Principal Financial Group 5K Road Race.
Website: http://www.desmoinesmarathon.com
Results: 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006
This was my 4th year running Des Moines. I have run the 1/2 twice and the full twice. You can’t be the support and service you get for the cost. VERY AFFORDABLE.
I give race route 4 stars just because of the hills, though they are in some beautiful neighborhoods.
The packet pickup expo was not as good as past years. It seemed like they had fewer vendors or at least fewer vendors for running related things. Expos are where I try to check out new projects, gadgets, or samples.
The post race this year was ok. When I finish a marathon I want salt. Give me a bag of Potato chips. The BBQ sandwich i got was cold, probably because they had 15 made up sitting on the tables and finishers were only coming in at a rate of 1-2 per 5 minutes by the time I finished. Later in the race they should leave the meat in the Crockpot until people want a sandwich.
This was also the first year I couldn’t get a post race stretch or massage. I finished 30 minutes slower than last year and I got one last year, but they were all packed up and gone this year. The music and beer though were still flowing.
I’ve ran the Des Moines marathon the past 2 times. It is a great race the public really shows up and supports the runners. They call out your name from your number and really chear you on. I talked to someone who runs 7 marathons ayear all over the world and he said this course has the most entertainment along the route than any other race he’s done, even more than the rock and roll marathon. The course is very senic. The first 8 miles take there toll they are very hilly, after that it flattens out for a good run to the finish. I wouldn’t recomend this for a first timer (because the hills can break your spirits) but the fiendly people and helpful volentears make this race a great experience.
This was my first year and I chose to do the half. This was a well organized race with lots of port-o-potty’s and water stops. I had a hotel room just a few blocks away from the race and would highly recommend going that route. I was able to shower and clean up and then join the post race festivities.
I’ve run both the half and the full. The expo is well-organized, as I was able to pick up my packet, register my chip, and get my shirt in about five minutes. The half marathon is very flat and fast. The full is challenging in the earlier miles, as the south-of-Grand hills should not be taken lightly; I definitely recommend incorporating some hill training. The last half of the full marathon is very flat. The route is clearly marked and there are mile markers throughout both races. The water/Gatorade/Gu stations are well organized, and the ‘course-support cyclists’ were also very helpful and encouraging (thanks for the candy!). There’s a lot of crowd support throughout most of the full marathon. It does get a little lonely on the trail, especially around miles 17 through 19, and then again around 23 through 25 (Gray’s Lake area). The post-party was also very well-organized, with tons of food and drinks. Although I was a little nervous about choosing this race as my first full marathon (since it’s not a pancake flat route), I’m very happy with my decision. Whether I run the full or half (or the 5k) next year, I’ll be back!
I have ran the half marathon and marathon. I thought the hills for the marathon were pretty hard but I don’t usually train for hills. It seemed like it was split 50/50 between running in town and the park during the marathon. The half was almost all through parks. Race was well organized, the whole registration process is quick, and they had enough water and porta-potties. This is the largest marathon in Iowa. I’m actually going to run the half again so it must be a good race since I keep coming back..
This was my 5th time running and have enjoyed every year. The race is very well organized and the mile water stops or easy to use. There are some hills in the beginning but the last half is pretty much flat. Part of the route circles the blue track in the Drake stadium and you can hear the fans cheering from the bleachers while watching yourself on the jumbo screen. Very cool. The post race food and gathering area is also really nice to find friends and family. Very well run event!