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Des Moines Marathon

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Event information

Des Moines Marathon

Oct 21, 2007

4.7

Organizer`s website

Where

Des Moines, IA, United States

Start time

09:00

Distances

Marathon

Sub-events

26.2

Marathon

October 21, 2007 Sunday

Distance: Marathon·Start time: 09:00

MarathonPoint to pointWheelchair race

Race Results

Top 3

1. David Chepkwony 02:22:57

2. Ezekiel Ruto 02:26:11

3. Rop Kipkoech 02:35:03

Top 3 Women

1. Melissa Gillette 03:00:51

2. Christine Price 03:08:29

3. Ellen Pollard 03:17:31

Top 3 Men

1. David Chepkwony 02:22:57

2. Ezekiel Ruto 02:26:11

3. Rop Kipkoech 02:35:03

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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Related News

Kenyan Matches Des Moines Course Record

One second is all that separated David Chepkwony from grabbing the new course record. Instead, he had to settle for tying the mark of 2 hours, 22 minutes, 57 seconds set by Simon Sawe in the inaugural 2002 race.

General News Des Moines Register

Oct 22, 2007

Veteran Race Announcer Impressed By Des Moines Marathon

Comments by Creigh Kelley, a race announcer and emcee for some of the best races in the United States.

General News Des Moines Register

Oct 22, 2007

Des Moines Marathon Officials Prepared For Bad Weather

Burch said the only trouble spot is a 14-yard area at mile 17 along the Bill Riley Trail. He said once the rain stops, officials will be out drying the area. A backup plan is in place should Waterworks Park become unusable.

General News Des Moines Register

Oct 19, 2007

Des Moines Marathon Staying On Course

Marathon directors considered changing the course route due to water over the roads. But after clearing away mud and debris, and after talking with meteorologists, they've decided to stick to the original route.

General News WhoTV

Oct 17, 2007

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