The Des Moines Marathon was the 49th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 49th largest in 2022.
Last year 9.5% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 10.4% of runners qualified for Boston in 2022.
This gives the Des Moines Marathon the 196th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 163rd highest percentage in 2022.
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 262nd 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)
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+.
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.
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.
