Iowa > IMT Des Moines Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K
& Relay
Des Moines,
IA
addthis
Date
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Event
Details
Experience a run through the heart of a city that's still in the midst
of its own revitalization and resurgence when you run the 13.1-mile
course at the annual fall Des Moines Marathon, which in addition to its
half-marathon race, also includes a 5K run and a five-person relay for
the 26.2-mile full marathon. More than 4,300 runners crossed the finish
line for all races combined in the 2007 running of the event, a number
that's likely to be even higher this year.
One aspect of the race that helps to attract a larger number of both
participants and spectators is the race's seven-hour time limit, which
makes it possible for walkers as well as runners and wheelchair
participants to compete in any of
the day's races. Considered an excellent half-marathon (as well as full
marathon) for first-time participants, the Des Moines race features an
out-and-back course that starts and finishes at downtown's Nollen
Plaza, on Locust Street.
From there, runners follow the first mile east toward the state capitol
building, and then turn southward and then
westward for the remainder of the course, which flows through downtown
along Walnut Street toward the Waterworks Park area,
and around Grays Lake just to the east of the park. Once participants
make their way around the lake, they've entered the final stretch of
the race, which takes them along Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway back
toward the finish line at the plaza.
Thanks in part to its downtown location and the stretches of the race
that wind through the city's parkland areas, the course is largely fast
and flat, with plenty of urban scenery as well as tree-lined park roads
and open greenspaces to fill your field of vision as you make your way
to the finish. The race also is comprised of paved surfaces throughout,
and begins at 8:00 AM.
Race
Weather & Climate
Set in the "crossroads" of Iowa, near the geographic center of the
state, the city of Des Moines typically sees mild to moderately cool
and sometimes even cold weather in the early fall. In October, area
temperatures average between 63°F and 42°F, while
rainfall amounts average around 2.62 inches for the month.
Fees
$35 if registered by April 16, 2008
$40 from April 17 - July 21
$45 from July 22 - October 4
$60 from October 5 - 18
Registration
To reserve your spot in this year's Des Moines Marathon or Half
Marathon, register online at Active.com
or print out and mail in this downloadable race application.
Website
www.desmoinesmarathon.com
Course Map
View
Larger Map
Share
Your Race Story
Ever run in Des Moines' annual Marathon or Half Marathon?
Share your
impressions and read fellow runners' stories and tips for the
event.
Discuss it in the HalfMarathons.Net
Message
Boards
|
|
|
|
