THE PURPOSE
For the commitment you make to your health. For the sacrifices you make for your body. For the want of ‘me’ time. For the love of doing something to become a better version of yourself. Most of all, a reason to dedicate a weekend to your you and your girl gang.
To all of that and more. At the end of these miles there is a finish line. You will meet your goals with a medal, a glass of wine, live music, and a community of like-minded people. 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.
Make the weekend a memorable one with friends and family, knowing that you become stronger through it all and have all of the reason to celebrate, you.
IT ISN’T EASY, BUT IT’S WORTH IT.
RACE WEEKEND TIMELINE
PACKET PICK-UP HOURS
Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 | TBD @ Jasper Winery
Sunday, May 4th, 2025 | 6:30am - 7:30am @ Jasper Winery
RACE START TIMES
5K | Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 | 5:00pm
Half Marathon, 10K + Team Relay | Sunday, May 4th, 2025 | 8:00am
RACE SWAG
REGISTRATION PRICES
RACE MEMORIES
FEATURED RACES
HALF MARATHON
The signature event of the weekend, our half marathon is packed with on-course entertainment and strong women. Starting with a lap through the high-rise buildings of downtown Des Moines and ending in one of America’s largest urban parks, 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.
3-Person half marathon TEAM RELAY
Our team 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 4-5 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 full half marathon swag.
10K
After making its debut in 2021, our Sunday morning 10K is officially back on the roads for this year’s event. Our 10K course has just the right amount of challenge and features one of the most stunning routes imaginable. Your 6.2 miles will follow the same route as our half marathon, starting through the high-rise buildings of downtown before crossing both bridges inside Gray’s Lake and finishing with a loop through the flowering bushes of the Arie den Boer Arboretum.
DES MOINES GIRL | 5k
For the second year, we are teaming up with Des Moines Girl for our Saturday night 5K. The Des Moines Girl | 5K is designed to provide a perfect outing for women in our communities to connect and engage in various activities. While this is a great distance for youth this race is for all ages. Attendees can participate in a pre-race "Braid Bar", enjoy yoga and meditation on the lawn, and/or an outdoor spin classes. All Des Moines-based businesses, led by women, and all activities are included as part of the Des Moines Women’s Race weekend before the main event - a 5K!
THE ‘DOUBLE’
5K + HALF MARATHON or 5K + 10K
If you’re just the right amount of courageous and crazy, we’ve got the perfect challenge for you. Back by popular demand, our “Double” pairs our Saturday evening 5K with either the Half Marathon or 10K Event on Sunday morning. Those who make it across the finish line of both races receive an extra piece of swag and a whole lot of bragging rights.
VIRTUAL
Whether you’re looking to run with us from afar, or not quite yet ready for an in-person starting line, we’ve got the perfect event to keep you motived through the winter. Following the huge success of the 2020 virtual women’s half marathon weekend, we all now know that the impact, joy, and celebration are just as fun no matter where you run. Plus, receiving your swag in the mail is pretty great too.