IMT DMM FAQs
How do I join the email list to receive race updates?
Once you have registered for any of our races, we will automatically add you to the subscription list.
When is the IMT Des Moines Marathon?
Registration in all races and events opens on January 1, 2022.
How do I register for the IMT Des Moines Marathon races?
What are the registration fees in 2022, and when do prices go up?
Does the race sell out, or do you cap the number of participants?
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.
Does the event offer registration cancellation insurance?
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.
What are the terms and conditions of the race?
I would like to volunteer race weekend. How do I sign up?
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.
Is there an official race app with runner tracking and race weekend information?
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.
How many athletes participate in the race?
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.
How young is too young for my child to participate?
What are the various distances offered for the Kids Run?
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.
Are there training guides or programs that can help me get started?
What is the Run Iowa Challenge presented by Capital City Fruit?
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
Do finishers get a shirt and a medal?
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.
Is there a sizing chart available for the athlete apparel being offered?
Do you offer a preview of the finisher medals?
Can I personalize my finish time on my medal?
Is there an official Training shirt this year?
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.
Is there a finisher shirt for purchase?
Are the races chip-timed?
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.
Are the courses USATF certified?
Is this a Boston Marathon qualifying course?
10.9% of marathon finisher times met Boston Marathon qualifying times in 2021.
Best wishes in Boston!
How can I find race results?
For October 16 & 17, 2021 race results, click here.
Are there pace teams for the races?
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.
What is the course elevation?
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.
What is the weather like?
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
H (°F) | 63 | 56 | 60 | 50 | 61 |
L (°F) | 50 | 39 | 45 | 32 | 48 |
I saw someone taking pictures of me on race day, how do I purchase them?
Athletes can also participate in special promotions offering prizes and giveaways, including entering to win free LASIK laser vision correction at Wolfe Eye Clinic.
Are there overall and age division awards offered... what about 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.
Can I personalize my bib with my first name?
Is race registration still available at the expo?
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.
Where and when do I pick up my bib and athlete apparel?
And, again on Saturday, October 15, from 10 am to 6 pm.
Iowa Events Center, Hall C. 730 3rd Street, Des Moines.
I can't attend packet pick-up. Is someone able to pick up my race packet for me?
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.
I need to book a hotel. Is there a list of hotels near the race start/finish line that offer a discount?
Is there a speaker series this year?
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.
Where is the pasta dinner located this year?
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.
Are walkers allowed in 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.
Do you have a start/finish line map for Sunday morning?
Can I start the race early if I am worried I won't finish in time?
What if I can’t finish the race?
Can someone hop on the course to run with me for a few miles?
Can someone ride the course on a bike, roller blades, skateboard, etc. with me?
Can I run or walk with a stroller? How about with a dog on a leash?
Is there a kids run this year, and what are the distances offered.
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.
Can I run or walk with headphones?
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.
Are there shower facilities for athletes on race day?
Is there a bag check for athletes on race day?
What energy drink and/or energy gels are offered on the course?
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.
Where are the portable toilets located on the course?
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.
How do I register for the I-35 Challenge?
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.
What if I don't make it to Des Moines to pick up my I-35 packet on Saturday?
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
I don't see my question related to the I-35 Challenge listed. Help!
I think I registered for the race. How do I confirm my race entry?
I registered for the race. How do I have my confirmation email resent to me?
I registered for the race, but can’t participate. Do I get a refund?
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.
I registered for the race, but can’t participate. Can I defer to next year?
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.
I registered for the race, but can’t participate. Can I transfer to another athlete?
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.
I registered for the race, but would like to switch to a shorter race distance. How?
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
I registered for the race, but would like to switch to a longer distance. How?
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
What happened to the 5-Mile Run and the 5-Mile Combo?
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.
What if the event is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances?
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.
When will the next IMT Des Moines Marathon be held?
Upcoming dates include October 14 & 15, 2023 and October 19 & 20, 2024.