DES MOINES, Iowa — The IMT Des Moines Marathon returns to the metro on Sunday with thousands expected to fill downtown. Learn about road closures, race routes and other events.

The IMT Des Moines Marathon and Half Marathon was brought to Des Moines in 2002 and has since evolved into a health and wellness event the whole family can partake in. In 2024, the marathon brought a Georgia man who wanted to run a marathon in every state in just a year.

The event has won several awards including the top marathon in the state and top 20 marathons in the nation. The new courses are flat, fast, Boston Qualifier’s, and spectator friendly. 

Runners will take off at 8 a.m. from downtown Des Moines at the 4th and Court Avenue intersection before heading on a course that wraps through the metro. View a map of the course below, provided by the IMT Des Moines Marathon.

Those participating in the 5K and the Healthiest State Initiative One Mile Walk will take off from the same intersection shortly after at 8:15 a.m. A free kids run presented by the Des Moines Children’s Museum will take place at noon.

Multiple closures are planned throughout Des Moines and West Des Moines, with a majority of these closures beginning at 6 a.m. and lasting till 12 p.m. View a full list of Des Moines closures below and visit their website to view West Des Moines road closures.

Results from the 2025 IMT Des Moines Marathon will be posted here.

WHO 13 News will have live coverage of the IMT Des Moines Marathon on October 19th from 8 to 10 a.m. on ‘Today on Iowa Sunday.’