Des Moines Marathon Reviews

  Great Race Nice Venue Need Better Planning Info

By Duane D about 2024

Review

This was a very good race. Very good Expo with vendors. I would like a few more options to show the race around.

I would buy an embroidered runners cap, and a bumper sticker. The start area was ok, very congested, but probably typical for this size marathon. Porto johns too spread out. I walked an awful lot before running 26.2 miles. I very much preferred the Children's Choir rendition of the National Anthem to the Jimmy Hendrix cover rendered here. Great spectator support over most of the miles. Very good hydration stations well staffed! I loved the flexibility water cups you could pinch to pour water in your mouth while moving! I made new friends on the course and the after party was on point! Two detractors: you need an awards ceremony! Even if you have to mail the awards, I MUST meet my competitors. Second: more information. A live map that you can expand to get the street locations would be Marvy! But yes, I will recommend this race, even though I prefer smaller venues! My first time to Iowa! Des Moines and Iowa are lovely!

Race Tips

warm. It's been warm here past few years. Pump electrolytes and hydrate!

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Ask for better online maps.

  I love this race!

By John Akins about 2022

Review

3rd time, great course and wonderful volunteers!

Race Tips

It's a hilly race. Iowa may not be considered a hilly state but race is full of hills. Especially the first 9 miles.

  Beautiful well directed marathon

By Deena about 2022

Review

Although the first half is hilly, they keep you occupied with the volunteers at the aide stations with all their cheering, musicians and random people cheering on the sidelines. A highlight for me was running the track around Drake university track. It was my fastest mile!!!

Race Tips

I think just going with the flow of the hills for pacing is a good plan. Walk up the really steep hills but always run downhill! The weather app said it would be much more windy and cold than it actually felt. It was cold but not bad, one of the few marathons I wore short sleeves and capris and felt fine.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

We stayed at the Hampton and they were very kind to the runners and provided nice grab and go on race morning. It was a quick walk to the start and even the expo. We didn't have to arrive super early because we were so close! No porta potty use for me! Plenty of great places to eat around the Court District and a wonderful Farmer's Market on saturday morning.

  Well Organized Scenic Run

By ET about 2021

Review

Very varied scenic run, from city to hilly neighborhoods, around Drake U track (very cool)then on through large park before back into city. Hills miles 3-8, with toughest at end, makes it a must negative split. The rest is flat or downhill allowing a good shot at negative splits. The turn around at 25 and change not ideal. Not a great PR course, but we’ll runned marathon and Des Moines surprisingly lively town - even Sunday night.

Race Tips

Give up time on hills, make it up methodically after the hills are done at 8+.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Small race. If stay downtown or across river, can walk to start.

  

By Ac about 2018

  

By Mike about 2016

Review

Very well run event. Interesting course. Great food at the end. Get to run a lap on the famous Drake Stadium track.

Race Tips

More hills than you might think for being in Iowa.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Traffic isn't an issue.

  

By NB about 2016

Review

Nice course, great volunteers, post-race food from local restaurants is awesome. New course in 2016 adds a tough hill at mile 23.

Race Tips

Long uphill during miles 2-3. Once at top of hill, almost completely flat until back downhill around mile 12. Completely flat again until mile 23, with a big uphill around the State Capitol then back down hill again and flat to finish. Water stops at almost every mile, which was great. Even if you don't want water that often, it reduces the congestion because not everybody will be stopping at the same stops. Miles 20-23 have some out and back loops on streets, definitely less "scenic" than the first two-thirds of the course.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Local YMCA is open in the morning for runners to come in. Nice to stay warm/dry in case of cooler temps/rain. Real bathrooms and water fountains. Showers might be available post-race (not sure). Arrived 20 minutes early, corral start, easy to navigate.

  

By AmyV about 2012

Review

Des Moines Marathon is big and small at the same time - just like the city itself. It is definitely a well organized event, and I enjoyed the atmosphere of the racers and the spectators. The start/finish area is one of my favorites for its level of organization and its size - plenty of room to walk it off or even sit and rest. Doing this marathon again in 2014 because it is my favorite.

Race Tips

There is a nice hill at mile 7, but the overall course is fairly flat. Expect nice temps at the start line. October in Iowa can be either cool or warm, so watch the forecast as race day approaches.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I've run different years, and I've always stated at the Mercy Campus Holiday Inn. It is close to downtown without being in it, which means lower $$ than the downtown hotels, plus a nice warm up walk to the start line.