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Des Moines Marathon

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Event information

Des Moines Marathon

Oct 05, 2003

4.7

Organizer`s website

Where

Des Moines, IA, United States

Start time

09:00

Distances

Marathon

Sub-events

26.2

Marathon

October 05, 2003 Sunday

Distance: Marathon·Start time: 09:00

MarathonPoint to pointWheelchair race

Race Results

Top 3

1. Wilson Gatiha 02:26:03

2. Christopher Koech 02:31:38

3. Chuck Engle 02:31:53

Top 3 Women

1. Wendy Hall 02:49:46

2. Nicole Cueno 02:57:57

3. Abi Watras 03:01:37

Top 3 Men

1. Wilson Gatiha 02:26:03

2. Christopher Koech 02:31:38

3. Chuck Engle 02:31:53

SEE ALL RESULTS

Race Details

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Marathons Near Des Moines, IA

Jun

Cedar Rapids Marathon Weekend

Cedar Rapids, IA

Jul

Heartland Series - IA

Clinton, IA

Aug

Moorehead Park Trail Mazathon

Ida Grove, IA

Sep

Wabash Trace Marathon

Shenandoah, IA

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Reviews

4.7

Based on 6 Reviews from other runners - tap or click to see all!

By: Turhan Jordan

Posted: October 31, 2025

Highly recommend!

Pros: Fantastic communication and enthusiasm from the race director and staff. Course support was top-notch — plenty of aid stations and helpful volunteers. The crowd support really stood out, especially through the neighborhoods and downtown. The course itself was fun and scenic, showing off a great mix of city and park views. Race photos were excellent (and free!). Course markings and directions were clear the entire way. Cons: There were no official corrals at the start, just an informal wave start. The finisher medal was pretty plain compared to other marathons of this size. Overall, a really enjoyable event with great community spirit and organization. With a few tweaks at the start line and a more memorable medal, it could easily be one of the best mid-sized marathons in the Midwest.

4.7

By: Traci S.

Posted: November 21, 2023

Decent city race

The race started downtown but the starting line was very congested and we started late. The route took us up several rolling hills and around Drake University Track in the first half, then after the half marathoners broke off it was less interesting. We ran for miles around a lake in a park, then made our way back downtown. The after party was where the outdoor expo was held. We had 2 beer tickets, pizza, donuts, and live music.

4.0

By: Malisa A.

Posted: October 25, 2022

Run on the Drake Relays track!

Awesome race, great spectators! Mile 12 you enter the Drake Relays and run 400M on the track - they call your name when you enter the stadium - really cool unique experience. The logistics were rock solid - tons of porta potties on course and great aid station! With 70+ fulls in 32 states this is a top 5 race!

5.0

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Training Tips

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Fueling the Long Run: A Race-Tested Nutrition Plan for Miles 1–26.2 Running a marathon is a 26.2-mile test of endurance, determination, and — often underestimated — nutrition strategy. No matter how well your legs are trained,...

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See all training articles

Related News

Mixed crowd savors Marathon

Eventually, more than 2,000 participants gathered at the starting line for the second annual Mediacom Des Moines Marathon. Some raced through downtown trying to beat the clock. Others just wanted to have a good time.

General News The Des Moines Register

Oct 06, 2003

Minnesotan skips town for Iowa race

Ross Harris, who lives in the Minneapolis suburb of Edina, Minn., chose to run in the Mediacom Des Moines Marathon over the established Twin Cities Marathon, which will also be held Sunday.

General News Des Moines Register

Oct 01, 2003

Mediacom to sponsor Des Moines Marathon

The financially struggling Des Moines Marathon received at least a one-year reprieve Friday when Mediacom Communications was announced as the event's title sponsor.

General News Des Moines Register

Sep 08, 2003

Helene Neville Awarded Runner's World Golden Shoe

Runner's World magazine has awarded Helene Neville its Bob Rodale Golden Shoe Award for her development of the Des Moines Marathon. The February issue of the magazine includes coverage of the award, including acknowledgement of Neville's dedication to bringing a world-class event to Des Moines.

General News

Jan 07, 2003

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