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Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers

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best marathons to help you qualify for the Boston Marathon.

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Des Moines Marathon

Des Moines, IA
Sunday, October 18, 2026


  4.9 Stars from 8 Reviews

Course Description
The Des Moines Marathon offers a dynamic and scenic race through Iowa's capital city. Starting and finishing in the heart of downtown Des Moines, the course provides runners with striking views of the city skyline. The route weaves through vibrant neighborhoods, past the Iowa State Capitol, and onto the lush campus of Drake University, where a memorable highlight is a lap around the famed "Blue Oval" track. Continuing through the city, the course also showcases Des Moines' beautiful art pieces at the Papajohn Sculpture Park and extends into West Des Moines, featuring the historic Valley Junction.

Known for its flat and fast course, the Des Moines Marathon is a popular choice for runners aiming for personal bests and as a Boston Marathon Qualifier. The latter portion of the race guides runners along the scenic trails and parks of Des Moines, including Water Works Park and Gray's Lake Park, before returning to the energetic atmosphere of downtown for the finish.

October Other Marathons in October Other Marathons in Iowa Marathons near Des Moines, IA



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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Sunday, October 18, 2026
2025: Sunday, October 19, 2025

Course Information

Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: Yes

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 52°F (11°C)
Average High: 63°F (17°C)
Average Low: 42° F (5°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 98.43
Course Score: 98.43

Race Size

2025: 1,889 Finishers
2024: 1,447 Finishers
2023: 1,450 Finishers
2022: 1,105 Finishers
2021: 1,027 Finishers
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 8.9%
2024: 5.5%
2023: 9.5%
2022: 10.4%
2021: 10.9%
2020: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 16 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 66°F  (19°C)
Low: 43°F  (6°C)

Race Start Conditions

45°F  (7°C)
Humidity: 75%

Partly Cloudy
N 7 mph

PR Score

98.12

Course Score

98.42






Des Moines Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Des Moines Marathon was the 50th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 55th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 8.9% of Des Moines Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 5.5% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Des Moines Marathon ranked 158th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 282nd in 2024. In Iowa, it ranked 1st in 2025 and 2nd in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Des Moines Marathon has a Course Score of 98.43, ranking it as the 304th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 3rd fastest marathon course in Iowa.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Des Moines Marathon a PR Score of 98.43. The PR Score ranks the Des Moines Marathon as the 242nd best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 2nd best marathon for a PR in Iowa.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Des Moines Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Iowa for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Des Moines Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed304th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd fastest marathon course in Iowa
Top 66% Nationally#3 of 4 in Iowa
PR Potential242nd best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd best marathon for a PR in Iowa
Top 53% Nationally#2 of 4 in Iowa
Boston Qualifier Rate158th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 1st highest BQ percentage in Iowa
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 33% Nationally#1 of 4 in Iowa
Race Size50th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 1st largest marathon in Iowa
Based on 2025 results
Top 9% Nationally#1 of 5 in Iowa

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 980 feet (298m)
Min Elevation: 785 feet (239m)

Elevation Gain: 682 feet (207m)
Elevation Loss: 682 feet (207m)


Des

Course updated 06/15/2026




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Compare the Des Moines Marathon to other Marathons

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Race Reviews


4.9
Based on 8 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Great Race Nice Venue Need Better Planning Info

Full Review:

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!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Ask for better online maps.
Reviewed by Duane D About 2024

Beautiful well directed marathon

Full Review:

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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

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.
Reviewed by Deena About 2022

I love this race!

Full 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.
Reviewed by John Akins About 2022

Well Organized Scenic Run

Full Review:

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+.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Small race. If stay downtown or across river, can walk to start.
Reviewed by ET About 2021

Full Review:

Reviewed by Ac About 2018

Full Review:

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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

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.
Reviewed by NB About 2016

Full Review:

Very well run event. Interesting course. Great food at the end. Get to run a lap on the famous Drake Stadium track.

Race Tips:

More hills than you might think for being in Iowa.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Traffic isn't an issue.
Reviewed by Mike About 2016

Full Review:

Des Moines Marathon is big and small at the same time - just like the city itself. It is definitely a well organized event, and I enjoyed the atmosphere of the racers and the spectators. The start/finish area is one of my favorites for its level of organization and its size - plenty of room to walk it off or even sit and rest. Doing this marathon again in 2014 because it is my favorite.

Race Tips:

There is a nice hill at mile 7, but the overall course is fairly flat. Expect nice temps at the start line. October in Iowa can be either cool or warm, so watch the forecast as race day approaches.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I've run different years, and I've always stated at the Mercy Campus Holiday Inn. It is close to downtown without being in it, which means lower $$ than the downtown hotels, plus a nice warm up walk to the start line.
Reviewed by AmyV About 2012