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Des Moines Marathon

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Event information

Des Moines Marathon

Oct 18, 2015

4.7

Organizer`s website

Where

Des Moines, IA, United States

Start time

09:00

Distances

Marathon

Sub-events

26.2

Marathon

October 18, 2015 Sunday

Distance: Marathon·Start time: 09:00

MarathonPoint to pointWheelchair race

Race Results

Top 3

1. Philip Lagat 02:21:02

2. Naamn Weldeyohans 02:21:18

3. Birhanu Kemal 02:21:34

Top 3 Women

1. Birukitayit Degefa 02:33:00

2. Frehiwat Goshu 02:40:54

3. Pauline Mutwa 02:41:43

Top 3 Men

1. Philip Lagat 02:21:02

2. Naamn Weldeyohans 02:21:18

3. Birhanu Kemal 02:21:34

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

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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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Related News

Final word on IMT Des Moines Marathon

It happens when all the elites have a bad day. Tope theorized that the chilly weather near 40 degrees was affecting the African athletes used to 80s and 90s. He also believed other elites were looking at Lagat to set the pace since he knew the course well. When Lagat didn't choose to take the lead on a subpar day for him, the pack hung back, content to run 5:25 miles.

General News Des Moines Register

Oct 22, 2015

Lagat repeats, Degefa wins at IMT Des Moines Marathon

Lagat pulled away in the final miles to achieve his goal of repeating as champion at the IMT Des Moines Marathon. But the Kenyan didn't come close to his course record of 2 hours, 12 minutes, 9 seconds and the $1,000 bonus that comes with it.

General News Des Moines Register

Oct 19, 2015

Thousands hit the pavement for the IMT Des Moines marathons

Philip Lagat, of Kenya, kept his title as mens champion in the marathon with a winning time of 2 hours, 21 minutes, 2 seconds. Birukitayit Degefa of Ethiopia won in the womens race, completing the marathon in 2 hours, 33 minutes.

General News KCCI.com

Oct 19, 2015

Runners set to eclipse marathon records

Lagat, a Kenyan from Hebron, Ky., won last years mens race in a record 2:12:19. Hes expected back this weekend, as is a favorite to repeat as champion.

General News Des Moines Register

Oct 18, 2015

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