The Des Moines Marathon was the 49th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 49th largest in 2022.
This year 5.5% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 9.5% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Des Moines Marathon the 198th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 260th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 98.00 ranks it as the 322nd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest course in Iowa.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Des Moines Marathon a PR Score of 98.00. This PR Score ranks it as the 263rd fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 1st fastest in Iowa.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Des Moines Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 986 feet (300m) Min Elevation: 786 feet (239m)
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!
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.
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.
John Akins's review of 2022 Des Moines Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
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.
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+.
