The Des Moines Women’s Half Marathon (DSMWHM to our friends) isn’t your average running event. It’s like the hype session + living room dance party before a night out with friends but stretched over some of the most beautiful, and flat, miles in the midwest. The signature event of the …
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The Des Moines Women’s Half Marathon (DSMWHM to our friends) isn’t your average running event. It’s like the hype session + living room dance party before a night out with friends but stretched over some of the most beautiful, and flat, miles in the midwest.
The signature event of the weekend, our half marathon is packed with on-course entertainment and strong women. Starting with a long downhill before crossing the Des Moines River into downtown Des Moines this course has a little something for everyone. Running through the shadow of the skyline and downtown’s newest neighborhood – check. A Loop around the lake – yep. The downtown arboretum in full bloom… you get the idea.
Our 3-Person relay is a perfect excuse to get together with your girlfriends and work together to take down the challenge of a half marathon. Each team member will run 4-4.5 miles of our half marathon course before ‘passing the baton’ at our relay exchange zones. Relay teams will be given special parking near Jasper Winery to ensure they’re able to finish together before raising a glass. Each team member receives half marathon swag.
We figured 2021 was as good of a year as any to introduce a new challenge to our women’s weekend line up. Our 10K event has just the right amount of challenge for many of our runners, and does so on a stunning route. The 6.2-mile course, will follow the same route as our half marathon, taking in brilliant views of downtown before crossing both bridges inside Gray’s Lake and finishing with a loop through the flowering bushes of the arboretum.
Our 5K will take place on Saturday evening making it the perfect excuse for a “night out.” Sharing a finish line with the other events, women of all abilities including hundreds of first-time 5K runners, will toeing the line. The course features DJs, cheer squads, aid stations, and finishes with a toast of wine before an epic Sunset Celebration. Pack a blanket and stick around for live entertainment, food trucks, and plenty of wine.
Reimagined for 2021 to bring back in-person running in a safe way, while retaining the energy and unique experience that has made this a destination event for thousands of women each year.
Get ready to crush some goals, toast some glasses, and party like it’s 2021.
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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.