How do I register for the Des Moines Marathon?

Registration is open to everyone, no lottery required. You can sign up year-round and walk-up entries are even available at the expo. Prices increase after July 30, 2026, so registering early saves you money.

Is the Des Moines Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes, it is a Boston qualifier. The course is USATF certified, so times are officially recognized. Roughly 9% of finishers hit a Boston qualifying standard in a typical year.

What is the time limit?

The time limit is 7 hours, which gives most runners a comfortable window to finish.

What is the course like?

It is a loop course with rolling terrain throughout. Total elevation gain and loss are equal, so there is no net elevation change, but you will feel the cumulative hills. Even pacing is rewarded over an aggressive start.

What is the weather usually like on race day?

Race day in mid-October is typically cool in the morning, often in the low 40s, warming into the low 60s by the afternoon. Most years the conditions are favorable for racing, though a throwaway layer at the start is a good idea.

How big is the field?

The marathon draws roughly 1,900 finishers in a typical year. The race does not cap participants, so it stays a manageable size without selling out.

Is the course USATF certified?

Yes, the Des Moines Marathon course is USATF certified, meaning your finish time is eligible for use as a qualifier for other races including Boston.

Sun, Oct 18 · 2026Des Moines, IASince 2002

Des Moines Marathon

The Des Moines Marathon runs a rolling loop through the capital city on a fall morning when the air is cool and the crowds are close. It is a genuine qualifier and a low-stress entry, which is a rare combination.

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DES MOINES · US

Des Moines

SUN, OCT 18

2026

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Race Overview

EST. 2002

Des Moines is a low-drama race that delivers more than you expect. It starts and finishes downtown near Court Avenue, so logistics are simple and the finish line energy is real. The loop winds through the capital and its surrounding neighborhoods on roads that roll consistently the whole way. Nothing is flat, but nothing is brutal either. You'll feel the legs working by mile 18, so be patient in the first half.

This is a legit Boston qualifier and registration is open, no lottery required. You can even walk up at the expo if you decide late. Prices go up after late July, so register early if you want to save a few bucks. The field is manageable and the race doesn't sell out, which means you get a real race-day experience without the stress of a big-city event. If you want a qualifier without the circus, this is worth the trip.

Field size

~1.9k

1,889 finishers

BQ rate

9%

Near national average

Time limit

7:00

Generous cutoff

Entry

Open

First-come registration

Course records

Men

2:12:19

Philip Lagat

2014

Women

2:32:28

Abnet Simegn

2014

The Course

682 ft total gain

Total ascent

↑682 ft

Total descent

↓682 ft

Net elevation

↑0 ft

Highest point

980 ft

Lowest point

785 ft

Course shape

Loop

Start and finish in one place

The loop course returns 682 feet of gain and the same in loss, so there is no net advantage to lean on. Elevation swings roughly 195 feet across the route. Expect rolling terrain throughout rather than one concentrated climb, which makes pacing discipline more important than strength. The mid-course miles tend to carry most of the accumulated effort, so resist going out fast on flatter early stretches. There are no notable downhill stretches long enough to bank time. Treat this as an honest effort on an honest course: even splits over aggressive ones.

DIFFICULTYROLLINGPR-FRIENDLYMODERATE

Past results

Race-Day Weather

10-year median

Low

42°F

High

63°F

30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°

What to expect

Mid-October in Des Moines means a cool morning at the gun, often in the low 40s, warming into the low 60s by the time you're deep in the back half. You'll want a throwaway layer or gloves at the start, but plan to shed them early. The afternoon warmth is not extreme, but if you're chasing a qualifier, don't let a mild midday fool you into skipping hydration. Most years this is a genuinely fast-weather day. Occasional wind is worth watching, but generally this is about as cooperative a fall window as the Midwest offers.