
From the Organizer
Dear Registered Participants,
We are writing to share an important update regarding the Midwest Greater Des Moines Half Marathon, 10K and 5K, originally scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2026.
Recently, we learned of a major scheduling conflict with the Golden Harvest Half Marathon taking place on the exact same morning, at the same time, just three miles from our course and start / finish line. This has never happened as we have been in this market for the last 20 years producing triathlon events and high quality road race events, for tens of thousands of athletes over the course of the last two decades.
Because we pride ourselves on delivering a premier, world-class race experience, we refuse to put on an event that doesn't meet the high standards you expect and deserve. Due to these combined circumstances, Premier Event Management has made the difficult decision to permanently cancel the Midwest Greater Des Moines event.
What this means for you: Every registered athlete will receive a full refund of their entry fees. You do not need to take any action; refunds will be processed automatically back to your original form of payment through RunSignUp over the next few business days.
Keep Running With Us While we are sad to close this chapter in Des Moines, we would love to have you join us at one of our other premier events this year. If you are looking for a new goal, check out some of our other events across the midwest and United States:
Use the discount code DSM50 and receive 50% off of any of these other Premier Event Management Events!
Midwest Twin Cities Half Marathon, 10K & 5K (June 28, 2026 | Bloomington, MN): Just a short trip north, enjoy a beautiful summer course in the Twin Cities.
Big Easy Halloween Half Marathon, 10K & 5K (Oct 25, 2026 | New Orleans, LA): Experience a festive, fast, and fun fall race in the heart of New Orleans.
The Inaugural New Orleans Marathon, Half & 5K (Nov 14, 2026 | New Orleans, LA): Join us for our brand new, flagship marathon event in our vibrant home city.
Mississippi Blues Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K (February 20, 2027 | Jackson, MS): Join us for our 20th Anniversary Marathon Weekend flagship event in the Capitol City of Jackson, Mississippi.
Shamrockin Run Half Marathon, 10K & 5K (March 7, 2027 | New Orleans, LA): Experience a festive, fast, race course with plenty of Green to Go Around!
Since 2006, Premier Event Management has loved being a part of the Des Moines endurance community. From producing the Hy-Vee Triathlon for a decade and the Drake Relays Half Marathon for three years, to our recent Midwest Half Marathon Series, we are deeply grateful for the 20 years of incredible support from the wonderful Capital City.
We sincerely apologize for any disruption this causes to your fall training schedules, and we wish you the absolute best of luck in your upcoming races, including the IMT Des Moines Marathon.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me directly at billpemusa@gmail.com.
Thank you for running with us.
Sincerely,
Bill Burke
Events
Weather
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
73°
Typical Low
48°
Chance of Rain
27%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Ankeny, 7 mi from the venue.
Host City
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
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Midwest Greater Des Moines Half Marathon, 10K & 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
111
Days to train
Coming Up
Capital City Pride Stride 5K
Less than a mile away
Eagle 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Des Moines, IA (28)
Less than a mile away
Clover Dash 5k
Less than a mile away
Heatwave Half Marathon - Des Moines
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
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.
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)
Midwest Greater Des Moines Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
Sep 27, 2026