With permitting and covid issues, and mother nature, this year's race was an interesting experience. The race did not start until 2pm in the afternoon, and mother nature piled on … MORE
With permitting and covid issues, and mother nature, this year’s race was an interesting experience. The race did not start until 2pm in the afternoon, and mother nature piled on with high temperatures, and high winds.
Despite these factors, the race put on a good show. There were more water stops than expected, excellent volunteers, and a great post race experience, including wine at Jasper Winery. The course had a mixture of urban and park with scenic views. Mostly paved course, with some hard packed trail through a wooded park.
The finish was at Water Works Park, and post race snacks and drinks were available in good quantity.
A short walk let to Jasper Winery where the post-race continued.
Shuttle service back to the start /parking was provided, or you could also easily walk back to the car.
I love the soft t-shirt for the race, nice finisher’s medal and a commemorative wine glass.
I didn’t get to experience the Winery afterwards, since the late start meant I had to get on the road for my Sunday race ASAP.
I recommend this race, even with the craziness.
Covid Year Craziness - Want to Run Again
With permitting and covid issues, and mother nature, this year's race was an interesting experience. The race did not start until 2pm in the afternoon, and mother nature piled on … MORE
With permitting and covid issues, and mother nature, this year’s race was an interesting experience. The race did not start until 2pm in the afternoon, and mother nature piled on with high temperatures, and high winds.
Despite these factors, the race put on a good show. There were more water stops than expected, excellent volunteers, and a great post race experience, including wine at Jasper Winery. The course had a mixture of urban and park with scenic views. Mostly paved course, with some hard packed trail through a wooded park.
The finish was at Water Works Park, and post race snacks and drinks were available in good quantity.
A short walk let to Jasper Winery where the post-race continued.
Shuttle service back to the start /parking was provided, or you could also easily walk back to the car.
I love the soft t-shirt for the race, nice finisher’s medal and a commemorative wine glass.
I didn’t get to experience the Winery afterwards, since the late start meant I had to get on the road for my Sunday race ASAP.
I recommend this race, even with the craziness.
Find a team and do the relay!
Find a team and do the relay! This was my first time running longer than a 5K and I absolutely loved this race. The set up for the relay is … MORE
Find a team and do the relay! This was my first time running longer than a 5K and I absolutely loved this race. The set up for the relay is fantastic. Everything is so well organized. The second and third legs probably have better scenery. But I enjoyed being the lead off. Your whole team gets to cross the finish line together. Wonderful after party. Great race for women. Very affirming! A+ swag.
Amazing girl power energy!
I've participated in this race for the past 2 years and this year was extra special - I had a stress fracture in my foot and the race producers allowed … MORE
I’ve participated in this race for the past 2 years and this year was extra special – I had a stress fracture in my foot and the race producers allowed me to complete the 5k/half marathon combo on a knee scooter!
Absolutely love the energy with this race! The swag is great – high quality and you get a free glass of wine after! The course is fairly typical of Des Moines races – down MLK, through Gray’s Lake and Water Works. Both the Half and 5k are pretty flat (good for knee scootering 😉 ). I really love that they moved to doing the 5k Saturday night and the half Sunday morning, so awesome to be able to do the combo challenge!
Will for sure participate again if my schedule allows!
Awesome energy! Great event!
I did this race this year for the first time and had a blast! I will definitely be back! The course was full of energy and supporters. Very flat - … MORE
I did this race this year for the first time and had a blast! I will definitely be back! The course was full of energy and supporters. Very flat – great for a PR! Looping through some of the most beautiful parts of downtown Des Moines. The medals were humongous (I’m not huge into giant gaudy race medals but if that’s your thing then you’ll love it!) The after party was at winery with free drink options and a fun band playing. My main complaint was it was a bit pricey to sign up for what you got from it. I also was not a fan of the race jacket; as a tall female, women styled clothing does not fit me well at all and that was the only option for this race.
Decent race, nice swag!
Packet pickup was neat with a huge mural that had every runner’s name on it. There was a limited amount of additional swag for purchase- but we did receive a … MORE
Packet pickup was neat with a huge mural that had every runner’s name on it. There was a limited amount of additional swag for purchase- but we did receive a high quality Shape-brand 3/4 zip top, and a nice stemless wine glass. The course itself was a little bland at times, and it did get super hot in direct sun for a few miles while running in a loop around a park. At the finish, there was music and one free alcoholic beverage. They had also catered in deli sandwiches, Coca Cola and chips/cookies. The music was so dang loud, I could not hear to speak to anyone, nor could I hear inside to order my drink. I left immediately after, so that sort of ruined the post race party for me. I received an Amazing finisher medal to add to my collection. All in all- I would do this one again!!
Loved the race!
As running my 1st half marathon, I highly recommend IMT. Very well organized, enjoyed the course, all the friendly/supportive volunteers, spectators. Didn't even seem like I ran that far. Will … MORE
As running my 1st half marathon, I highly recommend IMT. Very well organized, enjoyed the course, all the friendly/supportive volunteers, spectators. Didn’t even seem like I ran that far. Will definitely be back next year and running the full marathon.