Thousands to Participate in IMT Des Moines Marathon

Thousands of runners are set to participate in the IMT Des Moines Marathon this Sunday, an event that will see competitors traverse the city of Des Moines for the 26.2-mile course. In addition to the marathon, the day will include the Bankers Trust Marathon Relay, the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon, and the Principal 5K Road Race. Organizers have made adjustments to this year’s course to feature “less hills and more spectator viewing areas,” as stated in the event announcements.

The race will commence in downtown Des Moines, guiding participants through notable city landmarks such as the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Drake University, and the historic Drake neighborhood. The route continues through Valley Junction and around the southern edge of Gray's Lake, ultimately leading runners to the finish line.

Due to the marathon, there will be several road closures that participants and locals should be aware of. Roads affected by the event will begin closing now and remain closed until noon Monday. Specific roads will be closed during set times on Sunday, ranging from 6 a.m. to the early afternoon. For comprehensive information on road closures and suggested alternative routes, the marathon’s official website provides detailed maps and guidance.

The weather forecast for Sunday predicts a high near 81 degrees Fahrenheit, with mostly sunny conditions and southwest winds ranging from 6 to 11 mph, with gusts possibly reaching 18 mph, according to local meteorological reports.

Greg Edwards, CEO of Catch Des Moines, emphasized the impact of the marathon on the region, noting, “Des Moines has become a huge sports city, and the IMT Marathon is one example of that. It brings significant exposure to the city, with statistics showing that over 10% of runners are visiting Des Moines for the first time.”

The event promises lively spectator spots, including areas like Valley Junction and popular local venues along the route where onlookers can enjoy the race. With the setup for the marathon already underway, barriers have been erected and an athletic village will be available downtown for participants and attendees to purchase merchandise and gather.