The energy of the families and friends cheering on runners at the annual Des Moines Marathon keeps them upbeat and takes their mind off things as they travel around the City. With a little planning you can have fun and cheer on your favorite runner without feeling like you ran a marathon yourself. Here are a few locations that are great for kids and will help you navigate the 26.2-mile course and be in the right spot at the right time.
Start and Finish
The IMT Des Moines Marathon & Half Marathon and Bankers Trust Marathon Relay start and finish on the Locust Street Bridge in front of the Simon Estes Amphitheater. On race morning this area can be jammed full of people and can be a bit intimidating for little ones. Plenty of sunscreen, water and strollers are good to have on hand.
Drake University
Marathoners take a lap around the blue track in a counter-clockwise loop at mile 12. Drake Stadium is open to spectators on race day. This is a great place for kids to hang out and cheer on their favorite runner as the athletes pass by.
Water Works Park
The half marathoners and marathoners converge in Water Works Park. It’s also where the Spectator Zone is located at mile 21/8. There are bleachers here, music, food and drink and tons of great energy. For many athletes Water Works Park is the testing ground for the day. The paths can be long and lonely in these later miles of the race. IMT Des Moines Marathon athletes have specifically asked for cheer support in this area of the course.
Gray’s Lake Park
Athletes will exit out of Water Works Park by crossing over Fleur Drive and into Gray’s Lake Park for a two mile trail loop around the lake. This is towards the end when runners’ bodies may start to hurt. Being there with a sign, a cheer and even a hug is the kind of fuel that will light a runner’s fire to make it to the finish.
Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway
A long straight away allows for easy viewing of the final miles of the races with the Des Moines skyline serving as the backdrop. Stop in at el Bait Shop for refreshments and great race day specials.
Cowles Commons
Another great spot for kids. Bleacher seating, course entertainment and food make this a great place to watch the athletes make their final push towards the finish line on the Locust Street Bridge. It will be tight, but you can hit Cowles Commons and make it back to the Locust Street Bridge before your runner does.
Are you planning on cheering on marathoners? If so, where?
