Iowa · Race calendar

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.

33 upcoming races · 7 with finish-time stats

5K 29 10K 20 Half Marathon 17 Marathon 5

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.

Largest field249 finishersTurkey Trails- Des Moinesin the 5K

Sat, Sep 12, 2026Medal Madness 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Des Moines, IA (37) Des Moines, IA5K10KHalf MarathonFrom $30Register Sun, Sep 13, 2026Capital Pursuit 10-Mile & 4 Mile Des Moines, IA10 Miles4 MilesFrom $50Details Sat, Sep 19, 2026WWY 5K (no one walks alone) Des Moines, IA5K0.5 MilesFrom $40Details Sun, Sep 20, 2026Blue Believers Des Moines, IA5K1 Mile50 Yards5KFrom $20Details Sat, Sep 26, 2026Run to Exile Des Moines, IA10K5K1 MileFrom $25Details Sun, Sep 27, 2026Midwest Greater Des Moines Half Marathon, 10K & 5K Des Moines, IAHalf Marathon10K5K1 MileFrom $20Details Sun, Sep 27, 2026Golden Harvest Half Marathon & 5k/10k - Des Moines Des Moines, IA50m1 Mile5K10KFrom $22Details Sun, Oct 4, 2026The Blazing 5k Des Moines, IA5KFrom $35Details Sat, Oct 10, 2026Haunted 5K, 10K, 13.1M & 26.2M at Des Moines, IA (41) Des Moines, IA5K10KHalf MarathonMarathonFrom $30Register Sun, Oct 18, 2026IMT Des Moines Marathon Des Moines, IAMarathonHalf Marathon5K1 MileFrom $40Details Sun, Oct 18, 2026IMT Des Moines Marathon - Early Bird Des Moines, IAMarathonHalf Marathon10K5KFrom $20Register Sun, Nov 8, 2026Girls on the Run 5K Des Moines, IA5KFrom $25Details Sat, Nov 14, 2026Born to Run 5k Des Moines, IA5K1 MileFrom $37Details Sat, Nov 14, 2026Gobbler 5K, 10K, 13.1M & 26.2M at Des Moines, IA (46) Des Moines, IA5K10KHalf MarathonMarathonFrom $30Register Sun, Nov 22, 2026Turkey Trails- Des Moines Des Moines, IA50m1 Mile5K10KFrom $22Details Thu, Nov 26, 2026The Des Moines Turkey Trot Des Moines, IA5K300mFrom $46Details Sat, Dec 5, 2026Yeti Endurance 5K, 10K, & 15K Des Moines, IA5K10K15KFrom $25Details Sat, Dec 12, 2026Holiday 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Des Moines, IA (50) Des Moines, IA5K10KHalf MarathonFrom $30Register Sun, Jan 31, 2027Time Travel Half-Marathon/5K/10K - Des Moines Des Moines, IA100m1 Mile5K10KFrom $22Details Sat, Mar 6, 2027Des Moines Spring 4-Miler Des Moines, IA4 MilesFrom $20Details Sat, Mar 13, 2027Des Moines St. Paddy's Half Marathon, 5K & Marathon Run/Walk Des Moines, IA5KHalf MarathonMarathon100mFrom $13Details Sun, Mar 14, 2027Time to Paddy 5K/10K & Lucky 13.1 - Des Moines Des Moines, IA1 Mile5K10KHalf MarathonFrom $22Details Sat, Apr 17, 2027Drake Road Races Des Moines, IAHalf Marathon10K5KFrom $30Details Tue, Apr 20, 2027Grand Blue Mile Des Moines, IA1 MileFrom $10Details Sun, Apr 25, 2027DoNot Stop Half Marathon/5K/10K - Des Moines Des Moines, IA50m1 Mile5K10KFrom $22Details Sat, May 1, 2027Des Moines Women's Half Marathon, 10K & 5K Des Moines, IAHalf Marathon10K5K10KFrom $45Details Sat, May 8, 20272027 Market to Market® Relay Iowa Des Moines, IA77 MilesFrom $675Details Sat, May 15, 2027Stars Stripes Spirit 5K Des Moines, IA5KFrom $40Details Sun, May 30, 2027Hometown Half Marathon/5K/10K - Des Moines Des Moines, IA1 Mile5K10KHalf MarathonFrom $22Details Wed, Jun 2, 2027The Big Run 5k Des Moines, IA5KFreeDetails Sun, Jun 27, 2027Treat Trot Des Moines Des Moines, IA5K10K15KFrom $22Details Sun, Jul 11, 2027Heatwave Half Marathon/5K/10K - Des Moines Des Moines, IA50m1 Mile5K10KFrom $22Details Sun, Aug 15, 2027Summer Sizzler- Des Moines Des Moines, IA5K10K15KFrom $22Details

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 Sep 10, 2026.

Common Questions About Racing in Des Moines

What race distances can I run in Des Moines?

Des Moines has 5K (29), 10K (20), Half Marathon (17), Marathon (5). The 5K is usually the easiest entry point if you are new, and the links above jump straight to each distance.

When is race season in Des Moines?

September is the busiest month for races in Des Moines, with 7 of the 33, followed by November with 5. If you are flexible on the date, that is the quickest way to narrow things down.

How early should I register for a race in Des Moines?

10 of the 33 races in Des Moines already have a price increase scheduled, so entry gets more expensive the longer you leave it. Race pricing almost always steps up as the date approaches, and signing up early is usually the cheapest option.

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. Surfaces are not always published, so it is worth checking a specific race before you register.