Des Moines St. Paddy's Half Marathon, 5K & Marathon Run/Walk

Lace up your running shoes and embrace the vibrant spirit of the Des Moines St. Paddy's Half Marathon, 5K & Marathon Run/Walk, set to take place on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in the heart of Des Moines, IA. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this event offers distances for every runner, including a full marathon, a half marathon, and a 5K, all promising a festive atmosphere and community camaraderie. Renowned as the fastest marathon course in Iowa and ranking among the fastest in the U.S., it's an ideal race for those chasing a personal best or even a Boston Marathon qualifying time.

The course itself is predominantly flat and fast, with approximately 90% of the route unfolding along smooth asphalt trails that hug the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, meandering through parks and past lakes. While mostly on scenic bike trails, some sections do transition to city streets, where runners should be mindful of occasional potholes. Starting and finishing by the iconic Iowa State Capitol, the scenery offers pleasant river and city views. Aid stations are strategically placed approximately every two miles, well-stocked with water, Gatorade, and Gu Shots, and staffed by "awesome weather-brave volunteers". Be prepared for typical race day conditions in mid-March, with historical highs around 49°F and lows around 30°F, and a roughly 10% chance of precipitation. Runners have noted that strong headwinds can sometimes be a factor, particularly near the lakes.

What truly sets this race apart is its festive St. Paddy's Day celebration, complete with themed finisher medals for half and full marathoners, commemorative pint glasses, and the famous Shamrock cookies at the finish line. Participants also receive a performance short-sleeved shirt or the option to upgrade to a warm tech hoodie, a welcome addition for cooler spring mornings. With a relatively smaller field of around 500 half marathoners and 200 full marathoners, the race maintains a comfortable, uncrowded feel, though crowd support along the course is minimal. Logistics for hotels and parking near the Iowa State Capitol start/finish line are generally easy, making for a smooth race day experience.