terms & conditions

participation

Participating in a road race is a potentially hazardous activity. Athletes should be medically able and properly trained to participate in the IMT DMM. The athlete understands the risks associated with running this event, including, but not limited to, weather, traffic, course conditions, surfaces, falls, and contact with other runners, volunteers, or spectators. RRCA Guidelines for Safe Events.

disqualification

Suppose an athlete registered for a race runs in a different race without officially requesting to do so before or on race day. In that case, they will be automatically disqualified and listed in the DNF results (Did Not Finish). Officials will remove race bandits, bandit pacers, or any athlete participating in any portion of any race without a proper race number/bib from the course. These regulations are for the safety of the athletes participating in the race. The IMT DMM reserves the right to disqualify and remove anyone from the course.

race bandits

Athletes who jump onto the racecourse and run a portion of the race without ever registering or paying an entry fee, whether they have an official bib, are not allowed. Bandits can pose security risks and take resources away from the athletes who have registered and paid for race amenities such as hydration, food, finisher medals, the conveniences of a marked course, and the services to provide a closed course such as medical and public safety. If caught by race officials, bandits are thieves trespassing and will be pulled from the course, regardless of whether the race is on public roads or land.

course-cutting

Athletes must stay on the racecourse, defined as the roadway between its edges and curbs or as specified by marks or cones. Athletes who intentionally shorten the race route (“course-cutting”) will be disqualified. Any participant leaving the racecourse must re-enter the racecourse where they left it or be disqualified for course-cutting.

Course-cutting may be determined by eye-witness reports, surveillance equipment, video, or the participant failing to register times at timing mats or appearing in race photography. Participants with missing or irregular mile split times at official timing checkpoints will be reviewed and may be disqualified.

cancellation policy

Race entry fees are non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-deferrable, including injury, pregnancy, schedule changes, or family emergencies. Sorry, no exceptions. Once the IMT Des Moines Marathon (IMT DMM) receives and accepts the athlete’s race entry, the race will not issue a refund, transfer, or deferral if the athlete can’t participate on race day.

Refunds will not be issued if the event is canceled because of conditions outside of the control of event organizers for the safety and well-being of event staff, participants, and the community, such as severe weather, civil unrest, pandemics, bans on public gatherings, the threat of terrorism, or other unforeseen circumstances that would make the event non-viable. The registrant acknowledges this policy in Step 2 of the race registration process.

event insurance

Optional event registration insurance is offered by Secure Fee through Get Me Registered at the time of registration. If you would like a description of what’s covered and not covered, please click here.

minimum age

The minimum age for participation is five (5) years old, excluding the kid’s run activities. Any participant under 18 must have a parent or guardian register and sign a waiver for their event. The parent or guardian is also strongly encouraged to register and join the underage participant in the event.

assisted athletes

Disabled athletes (assisted athletes) who seek to enter any event will be pushed in a wheelchair by a non-disabled athlete (pusher) and must contact race officials before registering, so officials can make necessary preparations. The pusher and assisted athlete will be registered as a two-person team, paying one registration fee but receiving full race amenities.

A liability waiver must be signed by both pusher and assisted athlete or by a parent or legal guardian. Successful completion of a training session is a condition of entry. The team’s responsibility is to maintain their equipment and carry a phone during the event. In wet weather, the event director will have the final determination on participation. Awards are not presented in the assisted athlete division.

push rim athletes

Non-disabled individuals using hand cycles or cranks may not participate in the assisted athlete division. They should register as an athlete in the race division and select the push rim category. All push-rim athletes must wear helmets and use appropriate caution on the course. The wheelchair shall have at least two large wheels and one small wheel. Mechanical gears or levers are not allowed that may be used to propel the chair. Athletes must ensure that no part of their lower limbs can fall to the ground or road during an event. The athlete’s responsibility is to maintain their equipment and provide their wheelchair conforms to all the above rules.

visually impaired

Athletes who meet the classifications for IBSA visual impairment (assisted athletes) who seek to enter any event and request aid from a non-disabled athlete (guide) must contact race officials before registering so necessary preparations can be made. The guide and assisted athlete will be written as a two-person team, paying one registration fee but receiving full race amenities. A liability waiver must be signed by a guide and visually impaired athletes or by a parent or legal guardian. Successful completion of a training session is a condition of entry. Guides may not use a bicycle or other mechanical means of transport. A method of guidance is left to the choice of the team. Elbow lead, tether, or run-free are permitted. Awards are not presented in the visually impaired division.

headphones

The IMT DMM requests that participants refrain from using headphones on the course. The request is for the safety of the participant and the volunteers. The use of personal music devices is strongly discouraged in this race. To enjoy all that our race has to offer and for all participants’ safety, the IMT DMM encourages a headphone-free environment during the race.

Running headphone-free allows opportunities to develop camaraderie with fellow runners and enjoy everything the race offers. Plus, volunteers and spectators will be on course, cheering you on and providing directions to help get you to the finish line. Runner safety has always been and will continue to be a top priority. Please be mindful of the other participants and respect the race personnel to ensure everyone’s safe and enjoyable race.

photographs

Athletes also grant the IMT DMM the right to take photographs (digital images) of them, including family, connected with the above-identified event. Athletes authorize the IMT DMM, assigns, and transferees to copyright, use, and publish the same in print or electronically. By participating in the IMT DMM, athletes also agree that the IMT DMM may use such photographs (digital images) with or without the athlete’s name and for any lawful purpose, including, for example, such purposes as publicity illustration, advertising, and social media content.

course support

The IMT DMM finish line is open for 7:00 hours. This allows for a 16:00 minute per mile pace. Anyone who cannot maintain a 16:00 minute per mile pace must move to the sidewalk in the last miles as the course closes to allow regular traffic. IMT Des Moines Marathon officials can only guarantee athletes’ services up to the 16:00 minute per mile pace.

medical support

This event will provide medical support by volunteer personnel who may be called upon to assist, including first aid, during or after the event. Medical volunteers will assist participants as necessary or appropriate. Entrants entering and participating in a road race agree to treatment by medical personnel. Also, they accept medical decisions related to the entrant’s ability to participate or continue in the race.

standard of conduct

The IMT DMM is committed to the RRCA Race Director Code of Ethics by accepting athletes’ fees to participate in this race.

drug testing

Athletes participating in this competition may be subject to formal drug testing under USA Track & Field rules and IAAF rule 144. Any participant guilty of a significant doping offense and has served a suspension of two years or longer is ineligible for prize money and will not be included in the race results. Anyone interested in more drug and testing information may call the USOC Hot Line at 1-800-223-0393.

sales tax

All registration and product transactions include the state of Iowa’s 6% sales tax and Polk County’s 1% sales tax.

accolades

BibRave lists the IMT Des Moines Marathon as one of The Decade’s Top 20 Marathons in the United States. Read more.

RaceRaves lists the IMT Des Moines Marathon & Half Marathon as the best in Iowa and in the Midwest. Read more.

Cityview Magazine lists the IMT Des Moines Marathon as the Best Local Running Event in Des Moines. Read more.

more information

To confirm your IMT Des Moines Marathon registration, click here.

To receive an additional copy of your IMT Des Moines Marathon confirmation message via email, click here.

All registrants should read our terms and conditions and frequently asked questions..