The IMT Des Moines Marathon takes place the third weekend in October. October 14 to 16, 2022.

Registration in all races and events opens on January 1, 2022.

It’s easy, click on the IMT Des Moines Marathon registration link and scroll to the event distance category of your choice to sign up. Join us!

To view registration fees and fee increases associated with the IMT Des Moines Marathon race in 2022, click here.

The IMT Des Moines Marathon races typically do not sell out or have a cap on the number of participants. Should this policy need to be updated due to COVID-19 concerns in 2021, race officials will communicate any changes as soon as possible.

Walk-up registration for all in-person races is available at the DMOS Orthopaedic Sports & Fitness Expo on Friday, October 15, from 3 to 8 pm. Again, on Saturday, October 16, from 10 am to 6 pm.

The IMT Des Moines Marathon does not offer refunds once the race registration is complete.

However, Get Me Registered Event does offer Secure Fee registration cancellation insurance for the ticket holder. It must be purchased at the time of race registration. To read how it works and learn more about what is covered and what is not covered, click here.

All registrants should read the IMT Des Moines Marathon terms and conditions.

Volunteering with the IMT Des Moines Marathon is an exciting way to share the fun and excitement of race day.

Volunteers are key to a successful event. Every little task and minor detail ensures a positive overall athlete experience. There are many different volunteer opportunities associated with the IMT Des Moines Marathon race weekend on October 14 to 16, 2022. Pick a volunteer duty, day, and time that works best for you.

To view a complete list and description of volunteer shifts, times, duties available, and to sign-up, click here.

All IMT Des Moines Marathon volunteers receive an official IMT Des Moines Marathon long-sleeve volunteer shirt.

Volunteers must be at least 14 years old or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Silver Cord volunteer credit hours have been approved for Des Moines area students.

Download the free IMT DMM App for 2021. You can find all the information you like to know about the IMT Des Moines Marathon: course maps, updates via social media, LiveTracking, and more.

Don’t forget you can track an athlete’s progress live during the race. With the IMT DMM App, you can see in real-time where they are at on the course. The IMT DMM App uses the crossing of the timing mats to calculate your athlete’s average speed and pace.

Available for free download now through iTunes and the Google Play Stores.

More than 5,600 athletes registered for IMT Des Moines Marathon races in 2021.

1,031 completed the IMT Des Moines Marathon. 2,295 completed the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon. 400 completed the Principal 5K Road Race. 46 teams finished the Bankers Trust Marathon Relay. 237 participated in IMT Des Moines Marathon virtual race distances.

The International Marathon Medical Directors Association has extensive guidelines on the physical and psychological effects of long-distance running on children under 18. For more information, click here.

The MercyOne Children’s Hospital Kids Run is on Sunday, October 16, at noon.

New this year at the Science Center of Iowa. 400 MLK Jr. Pkwy.

Distances will vary from 100 yards to 1-Mile featuring the sidewalks and patio of the Science Center of Iowa.

 

 

The IMT Des Moines Marathon offers training programs for the beginning to advanced runner, from the 5K to the marathon distance.

Training Guides

Training Resources

Want a fun way to earn rewards for actively participating in your health & wellness? Sign-up for the Run Iowa Challenge presented by Capital City Fruit. Unlock Run Iowa Challenge reward badges by uploading your miles or hours:minutes each month as you train for the IMT Des Moines Marathon, IMT Des Moines Half Marathon, Bankers Trust Marathon Relay, or the Principal 5K Road Race. Learn more.

Capital City Fruit – Home Delivery

Official Produce Supplier of the IMT Des Moines Marathon and Presenting Sponsor for the Race Iowa Challenge. Capital City Fruit is a 73-year-old company located in Norwalk, Iowa. Capital City Fruit – Home Delivery provides fresh produce delivered directly to your door. Capital City Fruit – Home Delivery provides oranges and Bananas on-course at each fruit stand and the finish line. Learn more about the Capital City Fruit – Home Delivery. Learn more

 

Yes. To ensure your proper athlete apparel sizing request, consider registering before the September 20 price increase.

All IMT Des Moines Marathon & Half Marathon and Bankers Trust Marathon Relay participants receive a premium duo hoodie pullover this year.

Principal 5K Road Race athletes receive a long sleeve technical shirt.

MercyOne Children’s Hospital Kids Run participants receive a one-size-fits-all item perfect for kids of all ages.

Leslie Jordan provides all-athlete apparel. For a Leslie Jordan sizing chart, click here.

Finishers in all races receive a finisher medal featuring new designs this year from Ashworth Awards based on original artwork from Sayles Design.

Yes. Leslie Jordan provides a sizing chart for their line of athlete apparel. Click here.

Yes, the IMT Des Moines Marathon typically reveals a preview of the IMT Des Moines Marathon finisher medals. Please check back.

Yes. Collect your unique finisher medal after crossing the finish line. Your Ashworth Awards finisher plate will arrive directly in the mail 4-6 weeks later, engraved with your Name and Official Finish Time. To order a finisher plate, either add one to your race registration or, if you have already registered, return to the registration page and scroll down to the Add-On Events & Accessories event category to reserve your finisher plate. Click here

Yes. You can purchase an official training shirt during your race registration or directly from our race registration site through the Add-On Events & Accessories category. Click here.

This ultra-comfortable Training short sleeve T-shirt combines moisture-wicking performance with unbeatable tri-blend softness and technology to create a great feeling tee for your training needs.

Please allow up to 3 weeks from the time of order for direct mail fulfillment from Image Solutions.

Express yourself with your own ‘Make It Personal’ shirt. Whether you add your name, time, cause, or slogan… It’s yours! You’ll love the comfort and style of this wicking performance shirt with thumb slits, perfect for long runs and lounging! Click here.

Yes. The IMT Des Moines Marathon races are all chip-timed with the MYLAPS Sports Timing system. The MYLAPS timing device is attached to the backside of your race number/bib. Pin it to the front of your shirt on race day. There’s no need to activate it before the race or to return it after the race.

With IMT DMM LiveTracking, your friends and family can follow your progress live during the race by simply searching for their race number/bib or name by clicking here.

You can then choose to post live updates to your Facebook or Twitter account with their progress. You will then be asked to log into your social media account and authorize the app to allow it to post live updates on your timeline/feed.

Yes, all of the races held on Sunday are USATF certified. The IMT Des Moines Marathon USATF Certificate is IA17004MF. The IMT Des Moines Half Marathon USATF Certificate is IA17005MF. The Principal 5K Road Race USATF Certificate is IA17006MF.

 

Yes, the IMT Des Moines Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifying course. Boston Marathon qualifying times are good for 18 months, as long as the race result is achieved on a USATF certified course, which Des Moines is. Official IMT Des Moines Marathon results are sent to the Boston Athletic Association immediately following the race. For more information, visit the Pace Team page.

10.9% of marathon finisher times met Boston Marathon qualifying times in 2021.

Best wishes in Boston!

Visit onlineraceresults.com for a complete searchable database of the races you have run that have uploaded their results to onlineraceresults.com. You can search your results for the IMT Des Moines Marathon races, share them with friends, and even print a finisher certificate. Search results.

For October 16 & 17, 2021 race results, click here.

 

Yes, for both the IMT Des Moines Marathon and Half Marathon race divisions.

For more information on the IMT Des Moines Marathon Pace Team, presented by Fitness Sports, visit the Course Support page. Click here.

What finish times are offered?

Most of the IMT Des Moines Marathon Pace Leader times mirror 2023 Boston Marathon qualifying finish times of: 3:00, 3:05, 3:10, 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.

IMT Des Moines Half Marathon Pace Leader finish times offered are: 1:30, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20, 2:30, 2:45, 3:00.

The IMT Des Moines Marathon course does present substantial hills from Mile 3 to Mile 8 before leveling out for the remainder of the race. The IMT Des Moines Half Marathon course is relatively flat. There’s an elevation chart on all IMT Des Moines Marathon course maps. The Principal 5K Road Race is considered flat. To view route maps, click here.

IMT Des Moines Marathon; Max Elevation: 984 feet (300m). Min Elevation: 785 feet (239m). Elevation Gain: 829 feet (252m). Elevation Loss: 829 feet (252m).

MapMyMarathon.com gives the race a Course Score of 98.11, ranking it as the 314th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest course in Iowa.

The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are ideal for optimal marathon performance. Coupled with the Course Score, this gives the IMT Des Moines Marathon a PR Score of 98.11. This PR Score ranks it as the 255th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 1st fastest in Iowa.

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.

The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Anticipated race day weather; Mean Temp.: 52°F (11°C). Average High: 63°F (17°C). Average Low: 42° F (5°C).

	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
H (°F)	63	56	60	50	61
L (°F)	50	39	45	32	48

Athletes participating in the IMT Des Moines races receive free high-resolution digital images courtesy of Wolfe Eye Clinic, allowing for downloads and shares across major social media channels. Click here.

Athletes can also participate in special promotions offering prizes and giveaways, including entering to win free LASIK laser vision correction at Wolfe Eye Clinic.

Prize Money

Cash is offered in the IMT Des Moines Marathon and goes to the top three male and female finishers and the top two male and female master’s finishers.

The IMT Des Moines Marathon offers a cash bonus if the male or female winner breaks the current event record. An additional cash bonus is offered if they finish under 02:20 and 02:40, respectively.

Gift Cards

Scheels presents gift cards in the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon to the top three male and female finishers and the top two male and female master’s finishers. The fastest male and female from Iowa to cross the finish line in the IMT Des Moines Marathon & Half Marathon also receive a Scheels gift card.

Overall Awards

The IMT Des Moines Marathon presents a 1st place trophy for the top male and female finisher in all race divisions.

Age Division Awards

The IMT Des Moines Marathon presents a personalized keepsake in all race divisions to the top three male and female finishers in each of the following age groups; 14 & under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and 80 & over.

Personalization includes athlete name, race division, place within an age division, and finish time.

All awards are mailed directly to the winning athlete and typically take 5-6 weeks for production and shipping once race results are official.

For more information or to learn about competing on race day in the Pro & Elite Athlete division, click here.

Yes. Your first name will appear on your bib in addition to your assigned race/bib number. By September 20, 2021, you must be registered to receive a personalized bib with your name on it, which will default to the first name you provide when registering for the race.

Yes. However, the last day to register for the IMT Des Moines Marathon races is the day before.

Walk-up registration is available in all individual races at the DMOS Orthopaedic Sports & Fitness Expo on Friday, October 14, from 3 to 8 pm. Again, on Saturday, October 15, from 10 am to 6 pm at the Iowa Events Center.

Athlete packet pick-up occurs at the DMOS Orthopaedic Sports & Fitness Expo on Friday, October, 14 from 3 to 8 pm.

And, again on Saturday, October 15, from 10 am to 6 pm.

Iowa Events Center, Hall C. 730 3rd Street, Des Moines.

Yes. Your race/bib number will be emailed to you the week of the race, just before packet pick-up at the DMOS Orthopaedic Sports & Fitness Expo.

If you are unable to attend yourself, the person you send to pick up your race packet should be able to identify your name, gender, age, and city/state. We will do our best to ensure they leave packet pick-up with everything you need for a successful race day.

You may want to consider forwarding your race/bib number email directly to the person who will pick up your packet and encourage them to keep it handy on their mobile device before arriving at packet pick-up.

Otherwise, in an emergency, we can make special arrangements to pick up your packet the morning of the race, but this is strongly discouraged.

We make travel easy! TEAMINN is the hotel booking company for you. They have established the lowest rates with our hotel partners for IMT Des Moines Marathon guests. To book your room stay while in Des Moines, click here, or call 1.800.233.8326. Questions? support@myteaminn.com

The MidAmerican Energy Speaker Series features guest presentations that focus on active participation in healthy lifestyles.

The two-day speaker series occurs during the DMOS Orthopaedic Sports & Fitness Expo as part of the IMT Des Moines Marathon packet pick-up and walk-up registration process at the Iowa Events Center on Friday, October 14 Saturday, October 15. The public is welcome to attend.

View the MidAmerican Energy Speaker Series presenters scheduled from 2021 as a sample. Click here.

 

The IMT Des Moines Marathon offers a pasta dinner featuring Carissa Galloway, VIP athletes, Pace Team members, special guests, and more.

It starts at 6 pm on Saturday, October 15, at the Renaissance Savery Hotel.

Scroll down past the race distance event categories on the race registration page and click on Add-On Events & Accessories. Register now.

Yes. You can walk in any of the IMT Des Moines Marathon races. The IMT Des Moines Marathon & Half Marathon finish line is open for 7 hours on Sunday. This allows for a 16 minute per mile pace for the marathon distance. Should you fall behind this pace, you may find that course support such as water stations and course marshals may not be in place any longer in the later miles of the race. Please consider participating with FuelBelt or SpiBelt to carry essential items with you, so you are not relying solely on course support in the later miles of the race.

And, don’t forget the MercyOne 5-Mile Run & MercyOne 1-Mile Walk on Saturday, October 16, is walker-friendly as well.

Regardless, the IMT Des Moines Marathon finish line does not close until the last athlete crosses it.

To view the IMT Des Moines Marathon Start & Finish Map visit the Course Maps page. Click here.

No. The IMT Des Moines Marathon does not offer an early start. However, the finish line is open for 7 hours. If you feel that’s not enough time to finish the marathon course, we encourage you to try the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon. At the same time, we won’t leave you out on the course… the IMT Des Moines Marathon finish line stays up until the last athlete crosses it.

If you are unable to finish the race, or if you need to drop out of the race for any reason, try to get yourself to a MercyOne First Aid Station. If you can’t, move to the side of the course and wait for a Bike Iowa bike support team member, who will contact a MercyOne sag wagon. They will pick you up and take you to the MercyOne First Aid tent at the finish line for evaluation to ensure you are okay.

No. The only people allowed on the course are registered athletes, with a corresponding athlete race number/bib entered in the race for that purpose. Pacers cannot provide unfair assistance by conveying advice, information, or direct help to an athlete by any means, including a technical device. Anyone and everyone else will be removed from the course, and the athlete will face disqualification.

No. Wheels are not allowed on the course primarily for the other athletes’ safety on the course. The only people allowed on the course are registered athletes entered in the race to participate in the race.

No. Baby strollers or dogs on leashes are not allowed on the course, primarily for the other athletes’ safety purposes. The only people allowed on the course are registered athletes who entered the race for participation.

 

The MercyOne Children’s Hospital Kids Run features a family-friendly event with various health, wellness, and science-themed activities at the Science Center of Iowa on Sunday, October 16 at noon.

Distances vary based on academic grade level; however, children may participate in the distance that is best suited for their personal development.

Start Times

Noon                     Check-In

12:30 pm             Preschool                                            Up to 75 yards (.04 mile)

12:35 pm             Kindergarten                                      Up to 150 yards (.08 mile)

12:40 pm             1st and 2nd Grade                           Up to 1/4 mile (.3 mile)

12:50 pm             3rd and 4th Grade                           Up to 1/2 mile (.65 mile)

1:00 p.m.             5th Grade and Up                              Up to 1 mile (1 mile)

All participating children will receive a participation item, a finisher medal, and a MercyOne Children’s Hospital Kids Run bib.

 Registration for the MercyOne Children’s Hospital Kids Run is only $15.

Packet pick-up occurs at the DMOS Orthopaedic Sports & Fitness Expo on Friday, October 14, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, October 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Iowa Events Center, 730 Third Street, Des Moines, IA 50309.

Or.

Packet pick-up is available on Sunday, October 16, starting at noon at the registration table outside the café entrance to the Science Center of Iowa.

Science Center of Iowa, 401 Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309.

 

Yes, however, the use of personal music devices is discouraged for safety reasons. You will not be disqualified for using a personal music device unless you are competing for cash prizes. Please be mindful of other participants.

With IMT DMM LiveTracking, your friends and family can follow your progress live during the race by simply searching for their race number/bib or name by clicking here. You can then choose to post live updates to your Facebook or Twitter account with their progress. You will then be asked to log into your social media account and authorize the app to allow it to post live updates on your timeline/feed.

IMT DMM LiveTracking is available for free through the iTunes and Google Play stores.

Yes. The Downtown YMCA, 500 Grand Avenue, will open at 6:00 a.m. on race morning for all athletes. You’ll have access to locker rooms, showers, and the gym for stretching. Bring a lock to secure your valuables.

Yes. The Adamantine Spine Moving Gear Check is located on 4th Street, south of Court Avenue. Use your athlete goody bag to check any items you want to keep with us during the race and check back in following the race to get them back. Neither the IMT Des Moines Marathon or Adamantine Spine Moving is responsible for lost or stolen items. You are encouraged not to leave anything of value.

Gatorade Endurance and Crystal Clear Water (in cups) are available at every water station, located approximately every 1 to 2 miles along the routes.

Gatorade Endurance energy gels in pear apple, blackberry, and vanilla flavors.

Located on the marathon course at Mile 10/4, Mile 20, and Mile 22.

Located on the half marathon course at Mile 7 and Mile 9.

Race officials encourage you not to solely rely on the supplements provided along the course if you plan to include them in your race day performance.

More than 200 portable toilets are placed along the course and at the start/finish line area around Court Avenue, thanks to our partners at Best Portable Toilets.

Some portable toilet locations are posted on the IMT Des Moines Marathon route maps, but not all. You’ll never be more than 2 miles away from the next opportunity.

Register for your race of choice in Kansas City (Marathon or Half Marathon) and for your race of choice in Des Moines (Marathon or Half Marathon) as you normally would. Then, register for the I-35 Challenge Presented by the Half Fanatics & Marathon Maniacs through the unique I-35 Challenge race registration site. Register now.

Attend packet pick-up at each city’s race expo to pick-up your race materials as you normally would. The I-35 Challenge booth in Kansas City is where you will check-in to pick-up your I-35 Challenge apparel. You will receive your I-35 Challenge finisher medal after crossing the finish line in Des Moines.

The Garmin Kansas City Marathon starts at 7 am. Both the half marathon and marathon share a 6:00 hour time limit. This means that the course in Kansas City closes at 1 pm. From Kansas City to Des Moines, north on interstate I-35, the distance is 192 miles or roughly 3 hours.

The IMT Des Moines Marathon packet pick-up closes at 6 pm. However, race day packet pick-up is not offered.

Extended packet pick-up hours and locations for I-35 participants will be announced soon. TBA

The I-35 Challenge has a frequently asked question page, and you may find your question listed by clicking here.

To confirm your IMT Des Moines Marathon race entry, click here.

To generate an IMT Des Moines Marathon registration confirmation email from getmeregistered.com, click here.

Race entry fees are non-refundable, non-transferable, or 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 cannot participate on race day.

Refunds will not be issued if the event is canceled because of inclement weather, natural disaster, pandemic, the threat of terrorism, or other unforeseen circumstances. The athlete acknowledges this policy in Step 2 of the race registration process.

Please review our Terms & Conditions.

 

Race entry fees are non-refundable, non-transferable, or 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 cannot participate on race day.

Refunds will not be issued if the event is canceled because of inclement weather, natural disaster, pandemic, the threat of terrorism, or other unforeseen circumstances. The athlete acknowledges this policy in Step 2 of the race registration process.

Please review our Terms & Conditions.

Race entry fees are non-refundable, non-transferable, or 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 cannot participate on race day.

Refunds will not be issued if the event is canceled because of inclement weather, natural disaster, pandemic, the threat of terrorism, or other unforeseen circumstances. The athlete acknowledges this policy in Step 2 of the race registration process.

Please review our Terms & Conditions.

No problem. It would be best to stop by the registration changes kiosk first when you arrive at the packet pick-up to switch your race division. Processing fees will apply.

Click here to have your race registration confirmation email resent to you:
https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_confirmation.php#top

DMOS Orthopaedic Sports & Fitness Expo
Friday, October 15, from 3 to 8 pm.
Saturday, October 15, from 10 am to 6 pm.
Iowa Events Center – Hy-Vee Hall – Hall C
730 Third Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

No problem. It would be best to stop by the registration changes kiosk first when you arrive at the packet pick-up to switch your race division. Processing fees will apply.

Click here to have your race registration confirmation email resent to you:
https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_confirmation.php#top

DMOS Orthopaedic Sports & Fitness Expo
Friday, October 14, from 3 to 8 pm.
Saturday, October 15, from 10 am to 6 pm.
Iowa Events Center – Hy-Vee Hall – Hall C
730 Third Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

Over the past three years, the pandemic has profoundly affected the IMT Des Moines Marathon, requiring race officials to make many difficult decisions. Unfortunately, the Saturday events known as the 5-Mile Run and 1-Mile Walk have been discontinued for the time being.

The Mercy One Children’s Hospital Kids Run is on Sunday, October 16, at noon. Gather the family and join us at our new location at the Science Center of Iowa.

If the IMT Des Moines Marathon in-person event cannot proceed as scheduled due to a government order related to the COVID-19 pandemic, all participants will be transferred into the virtual race free of charge. There will be no partial or full refunds offered for the event – no exceptions.

If the event gets canceled for another situation, such as emergency weather conditions, entry fees will still be non-refundable. The IMT Des Moines Marathon, per management executives, city officials, and local law enforcement, has the authority to cancel any of the events for emergency purposes such as, but not limited to, inclement weather or threat of terrorism. If such emergency conditions force cancellation, the IMT DMM cannot provide refunds since funds will have been spent preparing for race day.

To view the IMT Des Moines Marathon terms and conditions, click here.

Your next chance to run with us is the third weekend in October; we hope to see you then.

Upcoming dates include October 14 & 15, 2023 and October 19 & 20, 2024.

No problem. Please don’t hesitate to contact the race director with your question at info@desmoinesmarathon.com.