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Run Vibes

Running Races in Des Moines, IA

Des Moines, Iowa has 27 upcoming running races, from 5Ks to marathons. Browse by vibe, difficulty, and community fit to find the right race for you.

27 upcoming races listed

Fun racesScenic racesCompetitive racesQuirky racesFestive racesFor a Cause racesBeginner-friendly
Loop the Lake 8K

A spring 8K around Gray's Lake, perfect for getting your legs race-ready in a supportive, community-focused setting.

  • Scenic
  • Competitive
Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 9:00 AM CDT8KDes Moines, IA
EasygoingRUN

Course · Rolling · Family-oriented

Drake Road Races

Experience a half marathon in Des Moines, IA, featuring rolling hills and mild seasonal weather.

Sat, Apr 18, 2026, 7:30 AM CDT13.1 MilesDes Moines, IA
Steady EffortRUN

Course · Rolling · Timed race

Grand Blue Mile

Experience a focused 1-mile run in Des Moines, IA, featuring rolling terrain and mild weather. A straightforward challenge for all.

Tue, Apr 21, 2026, 6:00 PM CDT1 MilesDes Moines, IA
EasygoingRUN

Course · Rolling · Timed race

Des Moines Women's Half Marathon, 10K, 5K + Team Relay

A vibrant women's event in Des Moines, combining beautiful, flat miles with a festive atmosphere, complete with a wine toast and a party vibe.

  • Fun
  • Scenic
  • Festive
Sun, May 3, 2026, 8:00 AM CDT13.1 MilesDes Moines, IA
Steady EffortRUN

Course · Rolling · Timed race

2026 Market to Market Relay Iowa

Gather your closest pals for Iowa's ultimate running road trip: a 77-mile team relay adventure from Jefferson to Des Moines.

  • Fun
  • Quirky
Sat, May 9, 2026, 5:45 AM CDT77 MilesDes Moines, IA
Push PotentialRUN

Course · Rolling · Timed race

Iowa Hope Run

Join the Iowa Hope Run to support brain tumor research and patient care, fostering a compassionate community dedicated to a future without brain tumors.

  • For a Cause
Sat, May 9, 2026, 9:00 AM CDT10.1KDes Moines, IA
EasygoingRUN

Course · Rolling · Family-oriented

Mary's Meals' Race to Feed Kids

Run or walk a 5K to help feed children in Malawi. Every registration provides a child with meals for an entire school year.

  • For a Cause
Sat, May 9, 2026, 9:00 AM CDT5KDes Moines, IA
EasygoingRUN

Course · Rolling · Walkers welcome

Stars Stripes Spirit 5K

A patriotic 5K walk/run celebrating Armed Forces Day, supporting Iowa veterans and communities with a festive spirit.

  • Fun
  • Festive
  • For a Cause
Sat, May 16, 2026, 9:00 AM CDT5KDes Moines, IA
EasygoingRUN

Course · Rolling · Walkers welcome

Girls on the Run 5K Presented by EMC Insurance

Join a celebratory 5K that empowers girls in central Iowa, welcoming all runners and walkers for a joyful finish line experience.

  • Fun
  • Festive
  • For a Cause
Sun, May 17, 2026, 2:00 PM CDT3.1 MilesDes Moines, IA
EasygoingRUN

Course · Rolling · Timed race

Hometown Half Marathon & 5k/10k - Des Moines

Gather your loved ones for a local-themed run in Des Moines, featuring distances for all, great swag, and a fun finish line celebration.

  • Fun
  • Competitive
Sun, May 24, 2026, 7:00 AM CDT13.1 MilesDes Moines, IA
Push PotentialRUN

Course · Rolling · Walkers welcome

Espresso Mile p/b Chain & Spoke

A fast-paced mile race with prize money, set amidst lively bike races and a vibrant street scene.

  • Fun
  • Competitive
  • Quirky
  • Festive
Sun, May 31, 2026, 3:00 PM CDT1 MilesDes Moines, IA
EasygoingRUN

Course · Rolling · Timed race

Capital City Pride Stride 5K

A vibrant and inclusive 5K celebrating diversity and community, kicking off PrideFest with love and support for the LGBTQ+ community.

  • Fun
  • Festive
  • For a Cause
Sat, Jun 13, 2026, 8:00 AM CDT5KDes Moines, IA
EasygoingRUN

Course · Rolling · Timed race

The Night Run DSM

Run through downtown Des Moines at night on a unique urban course, then celebrate with a high-energy DJ party by the river.

  • Fun
  • Scenic
  • Competitive
  • Quirky
  • Festive
Sat, Jun 20, 2026, 7:00 PM CDT10KDes Moines, IA
Steady EffortRUN

Course · Road · Rolling · Family-oriented

Iowa Trail Run Series: Sleepy Hollow

Experience a well-supported 6.2-mile trail run at Sleepy Hollow, offering great value and unique rotating swag.

  • Fun
Sat, Jun 27, 2026, 8:00 AM CDT6.2 MilesDes Moines, IA
Push PotentialRUN

Course · Trail · Rolling · Timed race

Run, Walk, and Roll: Women of the ELCA 5K for Raising up Healthy Women and Girls

A welcoming 5K fundraiser in Des Moines, supporting women's health and empowerment as part of the Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering.

  • For a Cause
Sat, Jul 18, 2026, 7:00 AM CDT5KDes Moines, IA
Steady EffortRUN

Course · Rolling · Walkers welcome

Heatwave Half Marathon - Des Moines

A summer challenge for all ages, featuring a half marathon, 10K, 5K, and kids' dash, complete with great swag and ice cream.

  • Fun
  • Festive
Sun, Jul 26, 2026, 7:00 AM CDT13.1 MilesDes Moines, IA
Push PotentialRUN

Course · Rolling · Walkers welcome

Summer Sizzler- Des Moines

A vibrant summer event in Des Moines offering multiple distances, great swag, and a welcoming atmosphere for families and friends.

  • Fun
  • Festive
Sun, Aug 23, 2026, 7:00 AM CDT9.3 MilesDes Moines, IA
Steady EffortRUN

Course · Rolling · Walkers welcome

Capital Pursuit 10-Mile

Experience Des Moines' premier 10-mile race, a 44-year tradition offering a competitive journey through the city's best parts on rolling terrain.

  • Scenic
  • Competitive
Sun, Sep 13, 2026, 8:00 AM CDT10 MilesDes Moines, IA
Steady EffortRUN

Course · Rolling · Family-oriented

WWY 5K (no one walks alone)

A family-friendly 5K and kids' run dedicated to supporting families experiencing child loss, complete with refreshments and fun activities.

  • Fun
  • For a Cause
Sat, Sep 19, 2026, 9:00 AM CDT5KDes Moines, IA
Steady EffortRUN

Course · Rolling · Family-oriented

Midwest Greater Des Moines Half Marathon, 10K & 5K

Explore downtown Des Moines with a half marathon, 10K, or 5K, plus a special Kids One Mile Fun Run for the whole family.

  • Fun
Sun, Sep 27, 2026, 7:30 AM CDT13.1 MilesDes Moines, IA
Steady EffortRUN

Course · Rolling · Family-oriented

Golden Harvest Half Marathon & 5k/10k - Des Moines

A family-friendly run in Des Moines featuring great swag, chip-timing, pacers for the half, and a fun kid's dash.

  • Fun
  • Competitive
Sun, Sep 27, 2026, 8:00 AM CDT13.1 MilesDes Moines, IA
Steady EffortRUN

Course · Rolling · Walkers welcome

The Blazing 5k

Experience the Midwest's fastest 5K, a USATF State Championship known for its flat, quick course and generous prize purse.

  • Competitive
Sun, Oct 4, 2026, 8:30 AM CDT5KDes Moines, IA
EasygoingRUN

Course · Rolling · Timed race

IMT Des Moines Marathon - Early Bird

Chase your Boston Qualifier or a new PR on Des Moines' award-winning, flat, and fast marathon course, complete with high-end swag.

  • Fun
  • Competitive
Sun, Oct 18, 2026, 8:00 AM CDT26.2 MilesDes Moines, IA
Steady EffortRUN

Course · Rolling · Family-oriented

IMT Des Moines Marathon

Chase your Boston Qualifier or PR on a new flat and fast course, enjoying a major marathon experience with high-end swag and strong crowd support.

  • Fun
  • Competitive
Sun, Oct 18, 2026, 8:00 AM CDT26.2 MilesDes Moines, IA
Steady EffortRUN

Course · Rolling · Family-oriented

See all 27 races in Des Moines, IA →

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