What race distances can I run in Des Moines?
Des Moines has 5K (21), 10K (13), Half Marathon (11), Marathon (4). The 5K is usually the easiest entry point if you are new, and the links above jump straight to each distance.
Iowa · Race calendar
2026-2027 Running Races in Des Moines, Iowa
Upcoming running races in and near Des Moines, Iowa - 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and more, with dates, pricing, finish-time stats, start-line maps, and local run clubs to train with.
25 upcoming races · 7 with finish-time stats
By the numbers
The Biggest and Longest-Running
The Des Moines races that stand out on the numbers: the biggest field, and the longest unbroken run of editions.
Sun, Nov 8, 2026Girls on the Run 5K Des Moines, IAFrom $30Details Sat, Nov 14, 2026Born to Run 5k Des Moines, IAFrom $37Details Sat, Nov 14, 2026Gobbler 5K, 10K, 13.1M & 26.2M at Des Moines, IA (46) Des Moines, IAFrom $30Register Sun, Nov 22, 2026Turkey Trails- Des Moines Des Moines, IAFrom $22Details Thu, Nov 26, 2026The Des Moines Turkey Trot Des Moines, IAFrom $50Details Sat, Dec 5, 2026Yeti Endurance 5K, 10K, & 15K Des Moines, IAFrom $30Details Sat, Dec 12, 2026Holiday 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Des Moines, IA (50) Des Moines, IAFrom $30Register Sat, Mar 6, 2027Des Moines Spring 4-Miler Des Moines, IAFrom $20Details Sat, Mar 13, 2027Des Moines St. Paddy's Half Marathon, 5K & Marathon Run/Walk Des Moines, IAFrom $13Details Sun, Mar 14, 2027Time to Paddy 5K/10K & Lucky 13.1 - Des Moines Des Moines, IAFrom $22Details Sat, Apr 17, 2027Drake Road Races Des Moines, IAFrom $35Details Tue, Apr 20, 2027Grand Blue Mile Des Moines, IARegistration closedFrom $10Details Sat, May 1, 2027Des Moines Women's Half Marathon, 10K & 5K Des Moines, IAFrom $50Details Sat, May 8, 20272027 Market to Market® Relay Iowa Des Moines, IAFrom $675Details Sat, May 15, 2027Stars Stripes Spirit 5K Des Moines, IAFrom $40Details Sun, May 30, 2027Hometown Half Marathon/5K/10K - Des Moines Des Moines, IAFrom $22Details Wed, Jun 2, 2027The Big Run 5k Des Moines, IARegistration opens Mar 8, 2027FreeDetails Sat, Jun 12, 2027Capital City Pride Stride 5K Des Moines, IARegistration opens Nov 1From $35Details Sun, Jun 27, 2027Treat Trot Des Moines Des Moines, IAFrom $22Details Sun, Jul 11, 2027Heatwave Half Marathon/5K/10K - Des Moines Des Moines, IAFrom $22Details Sun, Aug 15, 2027Summer Sizzler- Des Moines Des Moines, IAFrom $22Details Sun, Sep 5, 2027Golden Harvest Half Marathon & 5K/10K - Des Moines Des Moines, IAFrom $22Details Sat, Oct 2, 2027The Blazing 5k Des Moines, IAFrom $15Details Sun, Oct 3, 2027The Blazing Marathon Des Moines, IAFrom $30Details Sat, Oct 16, 2027IMT Des Moines Marathon - Early Bird Des Moines, IAFrom $20Details
Within 100 miles
Races in Nearby Cities
More race calendars close to Des Moines. Miles are measured center to center, so treat them as a rough guide.
How we calculate these stats: RunSesh calculates these figures from the most recent published results of past editions, sourced from RunSignup. We show aggregates only: field size, winning and median times, and the cutoff. We never publish individual finisher tables. Last updated Oct 25, 2026.
Common Questions About Racing in Des Moines
When is race season in Des Moines?
November is the busiest month for races in Des Moines, with 5 of the 25, followed by May with 4. If you are flexible on the date, that is the quickest way to narrow things down.
Are Des Moines races beginner-friendly?
Yes, for the most part. Across the 7 races in Des Moines with published results, the typical median finish is around 33:44, which means half of every one of those fields came in slower than that. Recreational runners and walk-runners are the bulk of these fields, not the exception.
Where can I train for a race in Des Moines?
Browse Des Moines run clubs on RunSesh to find a training group at your pace.
Are there trail races near Des Moines?
Yes, one race around Des Moines gets you off the pavement: 1 is a trail race.