Des Moines St. Paddys Marathon

Des Moines St. Paddys Marathon 2026 Course Analysis

Des Moines St. Paddys Marathon is a full marathon held in Des Moines, United States of America, scheduled for Saturday 16 May 2026. The course is run on trail surface with 135m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 252m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Des Moines St. Paddys Marathon website.

Elevation Profile

With 135m of elevation gain, this is a moderately undulating course. The route ranges from 239m to 252m above sea level (13m 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 May, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Hot conditions are expected, with temperatures between 18°C and 31°C. Heat is one of the biggest performance factors in marathon running — research shows that for every degree above 15°C, marathon times slow by approximately 1-2%. Extra hydration and a conservative start are strongly recommended. There is a high chance of rain (50%). Runners should prepare for wet conditions, including appropriate footwear and clothing choices.

Surface Type: Trail

Des Moines St. Paddys Marathon is a trail race, meaning the course includes unpaved surfaces such as dirt, gravel, or forest paths. Trail surfaces are inherently slower than road courses due to uneven footing, technical sections, and often steeper gradients. Trail-specific shoes with good grip are recommended, and runners should expect a finish time 10-20% slower than their equivalent road marathon time.

How Difficult Is Des Moines St. Paddys Marathon?

Our difficulty rating for Des Moines St. Paddys 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 St. Paddys Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.