Course Map
Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The IMT Des Moines Marathon is a fairly flat course through the Iowa capital, running past the gold-domed State Capitol and through the city's downtown and leafy neighborhoods on a gentle, runner-friendly profile. The level terrain makes it a reasonable personal-best target, with smooth roads and tidy organization. Held in October, it delivers crisp autumn conditions well suited to hard racing. The crowds are warm and the atmosphere welcoming in this accessible Midwestern race. It suits runners who want a flat, friendly fall course in a cool-weather window without the scale of the majors.
Course Insight
Des Moines rolls through Iowa in October on a course with modest undulation and pleasant autumn air. Pace the rises by effort and don't over-run the open early miles. Crisp conditions suit fast running. The terrain is honest rather than brutal. Run it with discipline and the rolling profile stays manageable to the line.
Difficulty Breakdown
A balanced marathon with no single defining challenge.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 204m
- Elevation loss
- 205m
- Highest point
- 299m
- Lowest point
- 240m
- Net elevation
- 0m
- Start
- 400 Court Avenue
- Cutoff time
- 7h 0m
Race History
The IMT Des Moines Marathon was first held in 2002, a fairly flat course through the Iowa capital past its gold-domed statehouse and leafy neighborhoods. Its gentle profile and cool autumn timing made it an accessible, runner-friendly race. From its founding it grew into the state's premier marathon. Held each October, it draws a welcoming Midwestern field.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Des Moines International (DSM)
- Best area to stay
- Downtown for proximity to the route, the East Village for trendy, characterful stays, and the Western Gateway for quieter options.
- Getting to the start
- The start is downtown; walk from downtown hotels, as it's a compact central course.