IMT Des Moines Marathon - Early Bird
- Date
- October 18, 2026
- Location
- 400 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA
- Distance
- IMT Des Moines Marathon · IMT Des Moines Half Marathon · Bankers Trust Des Moines Marathon Relay & more
From the Organizer
The IMT Des Moines Marathon advocates for individuals who actively participate in their health and wellness by engaging, coordinating, and providing community-related running events and initiatives.
The IMT Des Moines Marathon has everything a major marathon has at a fraction of the price! Our new flat and fast course gives runners a great opportunity to finally get the Boston Qualifier or PR. High-end runner SWAG and medals elevate the weekend to the next level. Tons of spectator support throughout the route. These, along with many more features, is what makes the IMT Des Moines Marathon special.
Since its inception in 2002, the IMT Des Moines Marathon has provided a positive image of Des Moines as a place to live, work, and play by offering race distances for athletes of all ages and abilities, including the IMT Des Moines Marathon & half marathon, Bankers Trust marathon relay, 5K and a FREE Kids Run.
The IMT Des Moines Marathon has won several awards including the top marathon in the state, top 20 marathon's in the nation and many more! Come to Des Moines for a family friendly, affordable, and booming city. The new courses, debuting in 2024, are flat, fast, Boston Qualifier's, and spectator friendly.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
63°
Typical Low
40°
Chance of Rain
25%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Ankeny, 7 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Des Moines, IA
Elevation
929 ft
Nearest Airport
DSM
Des Moines International Airport · 9 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at IMT Des Moines Marathon - Early Bird, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
132
Days to train
- Race
- IMT Des Moines Marathon - Early Bird
- Date
- October 18, 2026
- Location
- 400 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA
Coming Up
More Running races near Des Moines, IA
Capital City Pride Stride 5K
5K
Less than a mile away
Eagle 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Des Moines, IA (28)
Half Marathon · 10K · 5K
Less than a mile away
Clover Dash 5k
5K
Less than a mile away
Heatwave Half Marathon - Des Moines
Half Marathon
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.
Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.
The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.
How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the IMT Des Moines Marathon - Early Bird?
- IMT Des Moines Marathon - Early Bird is a running race held in Des Moines, Iowa on October 18, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the IMT Des Moines Marathon - Early Bird?
- Sunday, October 18, 2026 in Des Moines, Iowa at 400 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the IMT Des Moines Marathon - Early Bird?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
IMT Des Moines Marathon - Early Bird
Oct 18, 2026