Des Moines Marathon
Des Moines, United States of America · Sunday 18 October 2026
The marathon held annually in Des Moines, Iowa, began in 2002 and is notable as a Boston Marathon qualifying event with consistent participation growth and regional prominence. Historically, its establishment contributed to promoting Des Moines as a city for active lifestyles, offering multiple race distances to include participants of various ages and abilities.
Difficulty Calculator
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:m
:s
Adjusted Time
3:59:48
Time difference: -0.2 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Course Details
Elevation Gain208m
Elevation High299m
Elevation Low239m
Weather Forecast
High15°C
Low6°C
Chance of Rain25%
How hard is Des Moines Marathon?
Moderateharder than 38% of marathons
Flattest / easiestHardest
On our difficulty model, Des Moines Marathon plays about 4 minutes slower than an average road marathon for a 3:30 runner. It ranks #709 hardest of 1150 marathons we analyse, and #348 of 575 in United States of America. Use the calculator above to see the exact adjusted time for your own goal pace.
What will you run at Des Moines Marathon?
Estimated finish times on this course versus the same effort on an average road marathon, based on its elevation, surface, and expected race-day temperature.
| Average-course time | On Des Moines Marathon | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00:00 | 2:57:37 | −02:23 |
| 3:30:00 | 3:28:39 | −01:21 |
| 4:00:00 | 3:59:48 | −00:12 |
| 4:30:00 | 4:31:03 | +01:03 |
| 5:00:00 | 5:02:25 | +02:25 |
| 5:30:00 | 5:33:52 | +03:52 |
| 6:00:00 | 6:05:24 | +05:24 |
Use the calculator above for your exact goal time. Want a prediction from your own training? Try the marathon time predictor.
Des Moines Marathon 2026 Course Analysis
Des Moines Marathon is a full marathon held in Des Moines, United States of America. It is scheduled for Sunday 18 October 2026. The course is run on road surface with 208m of total climbing, with its high point near 299m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Des Moines Marathon website.
Elevation Profile
With 208m of total climbing, this is a gently undulating course. The elevation changes are manageable for most runners and shouldn't greatly affect your pacing.
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 racing. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for a personal best.
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.
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