Des Moines Marathon

Des Moines Marathon 2026 Course Analysis

Des Moines Marathon is a full marathon held in Des Moines, United States of America, scheduled for Sunday 18 October 2026. The course is run on road surface with 208m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 299m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Des Moines Marathon website.

Elevation Profile

With 208m of elevation gain, this is a moderately undulating course. The route ranges from 239m to 299m above sea level (60m total range). While not completely flat, the elevation changes are manageable for most runners and shouldn't significantly impact pacing strategy.

Expected Race Day Weather

Based on historical weather data for October, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Near-ideal running temperatures are expected, ranging from 6°C to 15°C. This temperature range is widely considered optimal for marathon performance, allowing efficient heat dissipation without cold-related issues. There is a moderate chance of rain (25%). Runners may want to prepare for wet conditions but shouldn't expect persistent rainfall.

Surface Type: Road

Des Moines Marathon is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for marathon running. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for runners targeting a personal best time.

How Difficult Is Des Moines Marathon?

Our difficulty rating for Des Moines Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.

Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Des Moines Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.