Court Avenue
Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of the IMT Des Moines Marathon:
- IMT Des Moines Marathon
- IMT Des Moines Half Marathon
- Bankers Trust Marathon Relay
- Principal 5K Road Race
- MercyOne Children’s Hospital Kids Run
Invite your friends, family, and running crew and get ready to make 2024 your year to #RunIowa!
Crowd support is huge, but being a good spectator takes preparation and work. If you’re planning on watching on race day, follow these tips can be an asset.
Know When to Watch
Saturday
5-Mile Run 8:00 am at Principal Park. Course highlights include the Meredith Trail, Gray’s Lake Park and great views of the Des Moines skyline from along the Raccoon River.
1-Mile Walk 8:00 am at Principal Park. Course highlights include the Meredith Trail, Jackson Street Bridge and great views of the Des Moines skyline from along the Raccoon River.
Kids Run 9:30 a.m at Principal Park. Various distances are offered following the completion of the 5-Mile Run. Additional activities provided by Hy-Vee KidsFit.
Sunday
Marathon 8:00 am on Court Avenue. Finishers will begin to cross the finish line as early 10:00 am. The bulk of the runners and some of the walkers are expected to finish before 1:00 pm. The course is open for 7 hours.
Half Marathon 8:00 am on Court Avenue. Finishers will begin to cross the finish line as early 9:15 am. The bulk of the runners and some of the walkers are expected to finish before noon. The course is open for 7 hours.
Marathon Relay 8:00 am on Court Avenue. This is a fun race to watch as the 1st team member runs the first 4 miles of the marathon course, the 2nd member runs the next 6 miles, the 3rd member runs 4.5 miles, followed by the 4th member of the team who runs a 5.5 mile leg. The last member of the team runs the final 6 miles of the race, with all team members able to join together for the final .2 miles. Look for relay teams to cross the finish line at various times throughout the day.
5K 8:30 am on Court Avenue. Look for the first runners to break the finish line tape as early as 8:45 am, with the bulk of finishers in by 9:00 am.
Know Where to Watch
Principal Park A great location to watch all of the events on Saturday, as well as the first miles and final mile of their races on Sunday… where support is needed most!
Drake University Home of the Drake Relays and the blue oval. Marathon route at Mile 12. Drake Stadium is open to spectators. Great place to see the athletes on campus stoic with running history.
Water Works Park Solace and green space in the middle of the city. The best way to arrive at Water Works Park is via 63rd Street, to Park Avenue, to Valley Drive/George Flagg Parkway or Thomas Beck Road, to SW 30th, to Water Works Park. Plenty of parking is available just outside the entrance to the park at SW 30th.
Fleur Drive will be closed between Ingersoll Avenue and George Flagg Parkway from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm on race day.
Gray’s Lake Park A true gem in Des Moines. Park in the southwestern parking lot of Gray’s Lake Park, accessible from Fleur Drive and George Flagg Parkway, or from Thomas Beck Road.
Fleur Drive will be closed between Ingersoll Avenue and George Flagg Parkway from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm on race day.
W MLK JR PKWY & 3rd Street Stunning views of the downtown skyline. A long straight away before the end of the race.
Court Avenue Marathon Brewing Company 26.2 Brew beer specials will be available for sale at the 26.2 Brew Block Party.