IMT Des Moines Marathon
IMT Des Moines Marathon is a flat, fast Iowa goal race with downtown energy, neighborhood support, Boston qualification, and an eight-hour window.
Quick facts
- Flat, certified Boston-qualifying course introduced in its current form in 2024.
- Eight-hour marathon window welcomes both goal-time runners and walkers.
- Downtown start and finish keep hotels, expo, and race logistics compact.
- The 2026 edition celebrates the event's 25th running.
Is registration open for the 2026 IMT Des Moines Marathon?
Registration for the 2026 IMT Des Moines Marathon is open.
About the IMT Des Moines Marathon
IMT Des Moines Marathon is Iowa's signature marathon and reaches its 25th running in 2026. The event offers the scale and support of a major regional race while remaining a comparatively accessible fall goal marathon.
Course
The current marathon course starts and finishes in downtown Des Moines and is designed around a flatter, spectator-friendly city route. Long runnable sections support pace goals, while the urban loop keeps crowd and relay activity close.
Race-day weather
Mid-October in central Iowa can be cold, mild, windy, or all three during the race. Open streets make wind direction a more important pacing factor than the flat profile suggests.
Past IMT Des Moines Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday, October 18, 2026 | Upcoming | — |
| 2025 | Sunday, October 19, 2025 | Completed | Open results |
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IMT Des Moines Marathon FAQ
When is the IMT Des Moines Marathon?
The 2026 IMT Des Moines Marathon is on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Is registration open for the 2026 IMT Des Moines Marathon?
Registration for the 2026 IMT Des Moines Marathon is open. View the official registration details at runsignup.com.
Is IMT Des Moines Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes. IMT Des Moines Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier. To use the result, you must run the certified full-marathon course within the qualifying window and meet the current standard for your age and gender. Meeting the standard lets you apply but does not guarantee entry, and net-downhill courses can receive a time adjustment under current B.A.A. rules. Review the Boston qualifying times and downhill-course rules, or browse upcoming Boston qualifier marathons.
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