Des Moines, Iowa, United States
The Des Moines Marathon attracts approximately 2,500 finishers each October through Iowa's capital on the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers. The course passes the Iowa State Capitol with its golden dome, the East Village district, and Gray's Lake park on flat prairie terrain. October's crisp Midwest autumn makes it Iowa's largest road race.
Des Moines Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Des Moines Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 25 October 2026 with a 7:30 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.
The Des Moines Marathon is an urban road that starts and finishes at the Iowa State Capitol or Gray's Lake area. The loop passes the golden-domed Capitol, the East Village, and the Des Moines River trails. The flat profile keeps rhythm steady throughout, with only minor bridge ramps or short rises interrupting otherwise even pacing. Spectators line the lakeside promenades and the start-finish area, with the densest support where the course passes parks and scenic embankments.
The Des Moines Marathon course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
The Des Moines Marathon is held in October, typically on the fourth Sunday. Registration is at https://www.desmoinesmarathon.com/.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Des Moines.
The Wineglass Marathon attracts approximately 1,816 finishers each October on a net-downhill point-to-point through New York's Finger Lakes wine country. The course descends from Bath to Corning along scenic country roads past vineyards, waterfalls, and autumn-coloured hardwood forests. October's peak foliage and the fast descent make it one of the Northeast's most popular destination marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026
The Omaha Marathon draws approximately 1,300 finishers each September on an urban road in Omaha, United States. Its downtown finish ties the race closely to Omaha's revived riverfront core. The route passes the Old Market, the Missouri River corridor, and broad streets with skyline views across the city. The Old Market, Missouri River corridor, and broad downtown streets roll with skyline views across a course tied closely to Omaha's revived riverfront.
Next race: Sunday, 6 September 2026
The Lincoln Marathon draws approximately 1,052 finishers each May on an urban road in Lincoln, United States. It is Nebraska's premier marathon and a long-standing Boston-qualifier with a competitive Midwestern field each spring. The course passes the Capitol, the University of Nebraska campus, and tree-lined city boulevards through the Star City. The Capitol, University of Nebraska campus, and tree-lined boulevards roll through the Star City on Nebraska's premier Boston-qualifier each May.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
The Kansas City Marathon attracts approximately 1,292 finishers each October through the City of Fountains on the Missouri-Kansas border. The course passes the Country Club Plaza, the Nelson-Atkins Museum, and the Kansas City skyline on rolling Great Plains terrain. October's mild Midwest autumn and the fountain-dotted boulevards make it the heartland's charming fall marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026
The Minneapolis Marathon draws approximately 4,500 finishers on an urban road in Minneapolis, United States. The course starts and finishes on the Minneapolis riverfront. The route follows the Mississippi River trails and passes the Stone Arch Bridge and Minnehaha Falls. Mostly flat along the river.
Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026
When a flat course helps your time, when hills are worth the view, and how to pick terrain that fits your training and goals.
Read guide →
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Read guide →
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.
Read guide →