Travel/Hotels

The Iowa Tourism Office will send you a free Iowa transportation map and Travel Guide, as well as provide you with accommodations, attraction and travel ideas as you plan your trip to Des Moines.

Check out their virtual Travel Guide online by clicking on the icon to your right. From the Iowa tourism website you can search the up-to-date calendar of events, look for recreational trails, camping locations and/or everything that is Iowa!

By Automobile
From Interstate I-80 or I-35 into Des Moines, Iowa go east or west (depending on which direction you are coming from) on Interstate I-235 (freeway) to downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Take exit 8A, which will direct you to 3rd Street Downtown. 3rd Street will take you to Hy-Vee Hall for the Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Sports & Fitness Expo or Nollen Plaza for the start of the IMT Des Moines Marathon.

By Plane
Once you arrive at the Des Moines International Airport, be sure to stop at the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau booth for information on the Des Moines area and how to get around.

If you need to rent a vehicle, you can save 10% by renting with Enterprise if you provide promotional code 62C1802 over the phone at 888.736.8222. You can also rent from Enterprise online, simply register under a business class, enter code 62C1802 and then DES for your pin code when prompted.

Take Fleur Drive and head north (left out of the airport) towards downtown. Merge onto the Grand Avenue exit after you pass Gray's Lake Park, which will be on your right. You will want to turn onto Locust Street from the exit ramp, which will naturally lead you into downtown Des Moines.

For additional information on where to stay, where to eat and what to do while you are in Des Moines visit the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Host Hotels

The Downtown Community Alliance offers various maps of the downtown area, including Hy-Vee Hall. You'll find maps of the skywalk system, parking ramps with free weekend parking and even a Capital Striders five mile running route that begins two blocks from the IMT Des Moines Marathon start line at Nollen Plaza.

Renaissance Savery Hotel - $123.00
The historic surroundings of the Renaissance Savery Hotel set the tone for a memorable stay. With a tradition of fine hospitality and savvy service, this Georgian style landmark in the heart of Des Moines has hosted many Presidents. It features an opulent lobby and 224 stunning guest rooms and suites offering new bedding and high speed Internet access.

Their deluxe health club has an indoor pool and track, two fitness centers, tanning bed, hair salon, steam room and sauna. The newly added BŎS restaurant features contemporary midwest cuisine focusing on local products. Serving as IMT Des Moines Marathon Headquarters, their responsive staff is ready to cater to your needs.

You will receive two complimentary tickets for a “Grab and Go” bag on race morning complete with bagel, fruit, juice and coffee in the lobby. A 3:00 p.m. checkout on race day is also offered. Best of all, the Start Line and Michelob ULTRA Run To The Finish post race party awaits you outside the front doors of the Renaissance Savery Hotel.

Rooms are reserved for IMT Des Moines Marathon athletes. Be sure to identify yourself as being with the IMT Des Moines Marathon when you make your reservation.

Renaissance Savery Hotel
410 Locust Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
800.798.2151 or 515.244.2151

Marriott Downtown - $119.00
With its easily accessible location two blocks from the Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Sports & Fitness Expo and start/finish line festivities, the Marriott Downtown offers you more than a convenient address. You'll find exceptional service paired with the amenities to make your stay enjoyable. Here, spacious guest rooms are designed to meet your needs.

Special for guests staying at the Marriott with the IMT Des Moines Marathon include a sundry shop stocked with fruit, energy bars, band aids and various items you may have forgotten to pack. Last minute fitness concerns can be addressed by way of an exercise room and pool. Showers and locker rooms are offered to you after the race.

Rooms are reserved for IMT Des Moines Marathon athletes. Be sure to identify yourself as being with the IMT Des Moines Marathon when you make your reservation.

Marriott Downtown
700 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
800.514.4681 or 515.245.5500

Embassy Suites On The River -
Embassy Suites On The River is located three blocks from the start and finish line at Nollen Plaza. Complimentary amenities are offered with guest rooms that include a cooked to order breakfast buffet, two hour evening reception featuring an open bar from 5:50 to 7:30 p.m. and Des Moines International Airport transportation.

Rooms are reserved for IMT Des Moines Marathon athletes. Be sure to identify yourself as being with the IMT Des Moines Marathon when you make your reservation. Make Reservations NOW!

101 East Locust Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
515.244.1700 and ask for Jael to receive up to date information on rooms and rates still available.

Holiday Inn Downtown - $99.95
The Holiday Inn Downtown is only 10 blocks from the start line. They have a full service restaurant and lounge, indoor pool and free parking.

Complimentary shuttle service to and from downtown on race day is offered. Free wireless internet and an exercise facility are offered on site.