What race distances can I run in Des Moines?
Des Moines has 5K (21), 10K (14), Half Marathon (12), 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
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.
26 upcoming races · 2 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.
Sat, Aug 1, 2026Single Speed Beer Mile- Des Moines Des Moines, IAFrom $20Register Sat, Aug 1, 2026The Sunglasses Run 5K Des Moines, IAFrom $45Details Mon, Aug 3, 2026The 51(5K) Des Moines, IAFreeRegister Sat, Aug 8, 2026Ninja 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Des Moines, IA (32) Des Moines, IAFrom $30Register Sun, Aug 23, 2026Summer Sizzler- Des Moines Des Moines, IAFrom $22Details Sat, Sep 12, 2026Medal Madness 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Des Moines, IA (37) Des Moines, IAFrom $30Register Sun, Sep 13, 2026Capital Pursuit 10-Mile & 4 Mile Des Moines, IAFrom $35Details Sat, Sep 19, 2026WWY 5K (no one walks alone) Des Moines, IAFrom $40Details Sun, Sep 20, 2026Blue Believers Des Moines, IAFrom $20Details Sat, Sep 26, 2026Run to Exile Des Moines, IAFrom $25Details Sun, Sep 27, 2026Midwest Greater Des Moines Half Marathon, 10K & 5K Des Moines, IAFrom $20Details Sun, Sep 27, 2026Golden Harvest Half Marathon & 5k/10k - Des Moines Des Moines, IAFrom $22Details Sun, Oct 4, 2026The Blazing 5k Des Moines, IAFrom $25Details Sat, Oct 10, 2026Haunted 5K, 10K, 13.1M & 26.2M at Des Moines, IA (41) Des Moines, IAFrom $30Register Sun, Oct 18, 2026IMT Des Moines Marathon Des Moines, IAFrom $37Details Sun, Oct 18, 2026IMT Des Moines Marathon - Early Bird Des Moines, IAFrom $20Register 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 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, Apr 17, 2027Drake Road Races Des Moines, IAFrom $30Details Tue, Apr 20, 2027Grand Blue Mile Des Moines, IAFrom $10Details Sat, May 1, 2027Des Moines Women's Half Marathon, 10K & 5K Des Moines, IAFrom $45Details Sat, May 8, 20272027 Market to Market® Relay Iowa Des Moines, IAFrom $675Details Sat, May 15, 2027Stars Stripes Spirit 5K Des Moines, IAFrom $40Details
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 Jul 27, 2026.
Common Questions About Racing in Des Moines
When is race season in Des Moines?
September is the busiest month for races in Des Moines, with 7 of the 26, followed by August 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?
8 of the 26 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.
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.