COURSE SUPPORT
Looking for features that provide comfort, convenience, and pleasure along the course on race day? We’ve got them.
Download an IMT Des Moines Marathon course map. Click here.
For City of Des Moines road closures and traffic reroutes, click here.
IMT DMM App
Download the free IMT DMM App for 2023. Create a personal profile and utilize the app throughout the year.
You can find all the information you want about the IMT Des Moines Marathon: course maps, updates via social media, LiveTracking, and more.
Don’t forget to inform your supporters to download the app to track your progress live during the race. With the IMT DMM App, they can see where you are on the course. The IMT DMM App uses the crossing of the timing mats to calculate your average speed and pace.
Available for free download now through iTunes and the Google Play Stores.
Bike Support
BIKEIOWA.com has provided Bicycle Course Support for the IMT Des Moines Marathon since 2002. Our cyclists are the eyes and ears on the race course. They provide basic first aid and act as course control and security. They are information guides for athletes, spectators, and residents. They provide emotional support and encouragement and are first responders in an emergency. The IMT Des Moines Marathon is internationally known for its excellent two-wheeled Bicycle Course Support, and our cyclists make the day super-cool for many athletes.
First-Aid Stations
The Hawkeye Medical Services team provides basic first aid and support to reduce athlete transports to the finish line medical tent or area hospitals on race day.
In an emergency, stop at one of the First Aid Stations along the course or the finish line medical tent.
It is on the marathon course at approximately Mile 10, Mile 15, Mile 18, Mile 20, Mile 23, Mile 25, and Mile 26.
It is on the half marathon course at approximately Mile 5, Mile 7, Mile 8, Mile 10, Mile 11, and Mile 12.
If you cannot make it to a First Aid Station, stop at one of the Hydration Stations, where a MercyOne or Keck Parking Sag Wagon will transport you to the nearest First Aid Station or the finish line medical tent.
Start & Finish Map. Click here.
Hydration Stations
Hydration Stations line the course every other mile beginning at Mile 2 and gain in frequency closer to every mile as the race progresses.
Volunteers serve Crystal Clear Water to athletes in cups on-course in Gatorade cups. After crossing the finish line, all IMT Des Moines Marathon athletes receive bottled water.
Lemon-Lime Gatorade Endurance Formula is served by volunteers on-course in Gatorade cups at each water station and is available after crossing the finish line.
Energy Gel Stations
Adamantine Spine Moving employees hand out Gatorade Endurance energy gels in pear-apple, blackberry, and vanilla flavors along the courses on race day.
It is on the marathon course at approximately Mile 10, 14, 20, and 22.
It is on the half marathon course at approximately Mile 7 and 9.
Race officials encourage you to rely on something other than the supplements provided along the course if you plan to include them in your race day performance.
Gatorade Endurance
Gatorade Endurance products were made for endurance athletes to fuel their unique needs during training and the course. Gatorade Endurance formula has a 2:1 glucose to fructose blend, helping the body maximize carbohydrate absorption and use and reduce the risk of GI distress during your long-run session. Learn more about the Gatorade Endurance line of products.
Fruit Stands
The course in Water Works Park is dotted with fresh fruit stands provided by the official produce sponsor of the IMT Des Moines Marathon and the Run Iowa Challenge, Capital City Fruit-Home Delivery.
The fruit stands will have fresh bananas and oranges, providing essential vitamins and minerals to fuel your performance.
After the race, stop by the Capital City Fruit stand in the post-race area for more fresh fruit to aid your recovery. To learn more about Capital City Fruit’s home delivery service, click here.
Entertainment
The course is lined with incredibly talented musicians and performers throughout the race. Join us at the post-race block party to celebrate your achievement with live entertainment organized by the Des Moines Music Coalition.
Pace Teams
The IMT Des Moines Marathon Pace Team, presented by Fitness Sports, provides a pace leader and group experience for athletes who wish to finish the race within a specified time.
Each pace team group is led by an experienced distance runner (i.e., Pace Team Leader) who serves as a moving coach throughout the race. For a list of Pace Team FAQs, Click here.
There is no additional fee to participate in the Pace Team presented by the Fitness Sports program on race day. It is included as a part of your race registration fee.
If you are interested in becoming a Pace Team Leander or learning more about the Pace Team qualifications, Click here.
Pace Team Leaders’ are provided for the Marathon from the 3:20 to 5:20 hour mark and may include; 3:20, 3:25, 3:30, 3:35, 3:40, 3:45, 3:55, 4:00, 4:05, 4:20, 4:35, 4:50, 5:05, 5:20. Pace Team bios, Click here.
The pace times offered for the Marathon are primarily designed to mirror Boston Marathon qualifying times. For more, click here.
Pace Team Leaders’ are provided for the Half Marathon from the 1:30 to 3:00 hour mark and may include 1:30, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20, and 2:30. 2:45, 3:00. Half Marathon Pace Team bios, Click here.
Pace Charts
Pace charts are excellent tools to determine what pace you must maintain per mile to finish your race in a specified goal time.
To find your pace per mile, you can click here.
IMT Des Moines Marathon Pace Chart. Click here.
IMT Des Moines Half Marathon Pace Chart. Click here.
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 the best in the Midwest. Read more.
Cityview Magazine lists the IMT Des Moines Marathon as the Best Local Running Event in Des Moines. Read more.
All registrants should read our terms and conditions and frequently asked questions.
