5 races in the Des Moines area for beginners to experienced runners

Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register
·4 min read

Looking to start running? Or maybe you are an experienced runner and you are looking for a challenge. The Des Moines Register spoke with one of the founders of the Capital Striders running club about the difficulty of upcoming races in the area.

In addition to helping start the Capital Striders, Steven Bobenhouse is the former owner of Fitness Sports in Des Moines. Bobenhouse started running in the late 70s. He is retired now, but he still remains active in arranging races in Des Moines.

More: Why a Des Moines man is running 5 miles every 4 hours this weekend

Des Moines races for beginners

If you're just getting started, these races feature some easier courses.

Donot Stop 5K

Looking for an easy and fun race to do with the family? The Donot Stop 5K offers a doughnut-themed race for walkers and runners.

The course is on the Mark C. Ackelson Trail at Easter Lake Park. The path is 4.1 miles total and it is considered an easy trail, according to the city of Polk's website.

Regardless of training, anyone can take part, offering a kid's dash, 1 mile race, a 5K and a 10K. And of course, waiting for you at the finish line are doughnuts and a custom medal.

  • Date: 8 a.m. April 13

  • Registration: Sign up by April 7 to receive a free T-Shirt

Loop the Lake

Des Moines residents head outdoors as temperatures hit a record high of 75 degrees Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, at Gray's Lake Park.
Des Moines residents head outdoors as temperatures hit a record high of 75 degrees Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, at Gray's Lake Park.

Loop the Lake is an 8K race around Gray's Lake sponsored by Capital Striders. While the distance might intimidate some, the course is flat and usually when the weather isn't too hot, Bodenhouse said. There is also a race for children starting at 10 a.m. called Little Lakers Run.

"Always a little questionable about the weather, but generally speaking it is a good weekend," Bodenhouse said. "It hasn't gotten hot yet. And that's a flat loop."

  • Date: 9 a.m. April 13

  • Registration: Discounted registration of $50 is available until April 6

Intermediate races in Des Moines

If you're up for more of a challenge, these races cover more distance.

Des Moines Women's Half Marathon

No, this race isn't just for women. The Des Moines Women's Half Marathon race offers a 5K or 10K options. A lot of the race is downhill and takes place on trails made of asphalt, Bodenhouse said. This is easier to run on than city streets or sidewalks, which are made of concrete.

"It is hard to believe it before you run on it, but asphalt is much softer than concrete," Bodenhouse said.

  • Date: The 5K is 5 p.m. May 4 and the half marathon is 8 a.m. May 5.

  • Registration: Registration is $85 and goes up on April 1 and May 1

DAM to Des Moines

This race starts at the Saylorville Dam and ends in downtown Des Moines. The race starts going downhill with some elevation during the middle and eases toward the end. There is usually 3,000 to 4,000 runners during the DAM to Des Moines.

Bodenhouse suggests training in layered clothes to build the body's endurance for heat in case it is moderately warm outside for the race.

"It's a little more challenging. But again, the atmosphere when you get that many people out there, they just draw you along," Bodenhouse said. "You have a lot of people to take your mind off how much you are hurting."

  • Date: 7 a.m. June 1

  • Registration: Discounted registration is available through March 31 and prices go up again on April 13

Difficult race in the Des Moines Area

If you're looking for hills, this might be the race for you.

Springtime Hill Climb

While this race is only a 5K, there are some hills to tackle along the Springtime Hill Climb's route in Pleasant Hill. It is nothing that a little bit of training can't prepare you for, Bodenhouse said. Taking part in the race is worth the work.

All proceeds from participants' registrations are donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The race is early enough in the spring that heat usually isn't a big issue. Any courses with hills Bodenhouse recommends using the south of Grand area for preparation.

"Once you get south of Grand, Des Moines gets pretty hilly," Bodenhouse said.

  • Date: 8:30 a.m. April 13

  • Registration: Regular registration of $35 is available through March 31. Late registration of $45 is available until packet pick-up on Friday, April 12.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 5 races in the Des Moines area for beginners to experienced runners