Des Moines Running Events: Upcoming 5Ks, 10Ks, Half Marathons & Races

Drake Road Races — April 17, 2027

The Drake Road Races are scheduled for April 17, 2027 at Drake Stadium in Des Moines. In-person options are a half marathon, 10K and 5K, with a listed 7:30 AM CDT start. The registration page also offers virtual options.

Use the official Drake Road Races website to select your distance and participation format. Read the current registration terms and race instructions before entering, including the relevant pickup or virtual-participation requirements.

Drake Stadium is also the venue for the Drake Relays. The shared location does not make road-race registration and track-meet admission the same product. Confirm the event name when choosing a registration or ticket.

IMT Des Moines Marathon — October 16–17, 2027

The IMT Des Moines Marathon weekend is confirmed for October 16–17, 2027. The 5K is October 16; the marathon, half marathon and 10K are October 17. Choose your distance and date together rather than treating the weekend as one registration.

The organizer-linked 2027 entry page provides registration options. Use the official marathon site for the supporting race information, checking that a guide or map belongs to your edition rather than 2026.

Choosing Your Distance

Both weekends offer a 5K, 10K and half marathon; the October event also lists a full marathon. Compare the distance with your own preparation and goals. Read each option’s course, time-limit and participation requirements before choosing.

Drake’s virtual options are different from an in-person entry. Review their completion and reporting terms on the registration page. Do not assume a virtual option follows the same arrival or pickup process as a race at Drake Stadium.

Registration and Preparation

Check the event name, year, distance and participation format before paying. Keep the confirmation and any organizer messages together so you can find the instructions later.

Closer to race day, review that edition’s packet pickup, course, parking and road-closure information. Older athlete guides can explain a past event, but should not settle your 2027 arrival plan.

If friends are coming to support you, share the current course and your organizer’s spectator guidance. Agree on a meeting point and return plan. A participant’s entry does not automatically establish access to every spectator area or another event at the stadium.

Spectating and Track Events

For track-and-field spectating, the Drake Relays is a separate meet at Drake Stadium. Use Drake Athletics’ official hub for its session and ticket information.

For the road races, consult the organizer’s course and access guidance before selecting a viewing point. A safe place to wait, an agreed meeting point and the correct edition’s closure map matter more than choosing a location from an old race photograph.

Before you head out

Questions, answered