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.
Join as we crush some miles, toast some wine, and party like it’s 1999!
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Run the hills, earn your wine
I did the 5k & Half Marathon. This year is the 10th Anniversary. The Anniversary weekend included a lot of optional additional activities at the Jasper Winery. From an ice … MORE
I did the 5k & Half Marathon. This year is the 10th Anniversary. The Anniversary weekend included a lot of optional additional activities at the Jasper Winery. From an ice cream truck to a spin class. The swag is always good. This year participants got a purple, short sleeve T shirt, a long sleeve, full zip-up jacket, a stemless wine glass, and a canvas tote bag. Plus medals for each event. Miles 1-3, there were hills. And smaller inclines throughout with a hill at the end of Mile 12 heading into the finish line. The event is hosted at the Jasper Winery in Downtown Des Moines.
Great Des Moines Women's Race
I would recommend the Des Moines Women's races for any women. There's positive vibes and support for women of all paces. There's a variety of races to choose from: 5k … MORE
I would recommend the Des Moines Women’s races for any women. There’s positive vibes and support for women of all paces. There’s a variety of races to choose from: 5k Friday evening or 10k, half-marathon, or half 3-person relay on Sunday morning. This race started in 2017. I have run it every year including virtually during COVID. They give quality races medals and race clothing. There’s perks for running Sat and Sun – extra race swag! There’s excellent crowd support all throughout this mostly paved road and trail race. There’s a short portion at the end on a dirt trail, but it feels good because it’s soft and shady due to tree coverage. Course is fast with very few inclines. The race finishes at Jasper Winery, therefore there’s a free glass of wine to celebrate your accomplishment.