IMT Des Moines Marathon
Iowa's Premier Fall Running Festival Through the Capital City.
Race day
18
Oct 2026
Iowa's Premier Fall Running Festival Through the Capital City.
Provenance ledger
Every fact, and where it came from
| Field | Value | Source | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Sunday 18 October 2026Curated listing · 24 Jul 2026 | Curated listing | 24 Jul 2026 |
| Start time | 08:00 local (America/Chicago)Curated listing · 24 Jul 2026 | Curated listing | 24 Jul 2026 |
| Distances | Full Marathon · Half Marathon · 5K · Relay · Kids' RunCurated listing · 24 Jul 2026 | Curated listing | 24 Jul 2026 |
| Location | Des Moines, Iowa, United StatesCurated listing · 24 Jul 2026 | Curated listing | 24 Jul 2026 |
| Start area | Iowa State Capitol, 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319Confirm the exact start with the organizerCurated listing · 24 Jul 2026 | Curated listing | 24 Jul 2026 |
| Entry price | $80–$120Curated listing · 24 Jul 2026 | Curated listing | 24 Jul 2026 |
| Course | Road · Loop · USATF certifiedCurated listing · 24 Jul 2026 | Curated listing | 24 Jul 2026 |
| Elevation gain | 35 mCurated listing · 24 Jul 2026 | Curated listing | 24 Jul 2026 |
| Field size | About 22,000 runners (typical field)Curated listing · 24 Jul 2026 | Curated listing | 24 Jul 2026 |
| Boston qualifier | YesCurated listing · 24 Jul 2026 | Curated listing | 24 Jul 2026 |
| Organizer | Des Moines MarathonCurated listing · 24 Jul 2026 | Curated listing | 24 Jul 2026 |
| Official website | desmoinesmarathon.comOrganizer · 24 Jul 2026 | Organizer | 24 Jul 2026 |
| Listing | Verified listingSunday Marathon review · 24 Jul 2026 | Sunday Marathon review | 24 Jul 2026 |
Source is where this listing’s facts came from. Where a field could not be confirmed we leave it blank rather than guess.
Report a correctionAbout this race
First run in 2002 and now celebrating 25 years, the IMT Des Moines Marathon returns to Iowa's capital on Sunday, October 18, 2026. Marathon, half marathon, Bankers Trust relay, 10K, 5K and a kids run start and finish downtown by the Civic Center, heading east past the Iowa State Capitol, then west along Walnut Street toward Water Works Park and a loop around Gray's Lake. The flat, fast, paved course is spectator-friendly and a certified Boston Marathon qualifier.
Is this race a fit?
These notes are generated from listed Sunday Marathon race facts. They are meant for shortlisting and planning, not as a replacement for official organizer instructions.
Best For
Runners comparing a listed Boston qualifier
IMT Des Moines Marathon belongs on the shortlist when you are comparing Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, Relay, Kids' Run options around Des Moines, Iowa, United States and want the key date, location, registration, and course facts in one place.
Watch For
Confirm entry details before paying
A registration path is listed; review entry rules, refund terms, and transfer policies before paying.
Decision Signal
Performance claims need source checks
IMT Des Moines Marathon should be evaluated as a full race-weekend choice in Des Moines, Iowa, United States, not only as a date on a calendar. Start with road surface, loop course, certified course, Boston qualifier listing. Weather notes are listed, so factor them into gear and pacing decisions.
- Date And Schedule
IMT Des Moines Marathon is currently listed for October 18, 2026, which makes the October planning window important for training and travel. Recheck official timing before race week.
- Location Base
Plan around Des Moines, Iowa, United States, then verify the exact start area, finish area, packet pickup, and post-race exit route before booking non-refundable travel.
- Course Fit
Listed course signals include road surface, loop course, certified course, Boston qualifier listing. Use them to compare effort, pacing risk, and training fit before relying on the race for a specific goal.
- Entry Readiness
A registration path is listed; review entry rules, refund terms, and transfer policies before paying.
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