Next race
Sunday, 18 October 2026
7:30 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Flat · 50 m gain
50 m climbing
Race profile
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.
Approximately 2,500 finishers
Course & terrain
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 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.
Registration
The Des Moines Marathon is held in October, typically on the fourth Sunday. Registration is at https://desmoinesmarathon.com/.
Getting there
Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
8 km / 5 mi
Race footage
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
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, 3 October 2027
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. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Sunday, 26 September 2027
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. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
The New Hampshire Marathon draws approximately 230 finishers each October on a scenic road in Bristol, United States. Bristol's New Hampshire Marathon is one of New England's scenic fall races around Newfound Lake. The course circles Newfound Lake with peak-foliage views of the Lakes Region and surrounding mountains. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Sunday, 3 October 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: Saturday, 17 October 2026
The Sioux Falls Marathon draws approximately 404 finishers each September on an urban road in Sioux Falls, United States. South Dakota's largest city marathon draws more than 400 finishers on a flat certified Boston-qualifier course. The course tours Sioux Falls parks, riverfront trails, and city neighborhoods on a mostly flat loop. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Next race: Sunday, 5 September 2027
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
Which US marathons produce Boston qualifiers in practice — course data, typical BQ rates, and how to match a race to your qualifying window.
When a flat course helps your time, when hills are worth the view, and how to pick terrain that fits your training and goals.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
