I also was one of the DNF from Chicago and wanted to do something before I got out of shape. The expo was ok, and the food at the pasta dinner was good ,but where were the desserts? I didn't understand why there were so many walkers starting with me. I thought they had their own start. This made the start very difficult and I, along with many others had to resort to running on the sidewalk. The run through the illy residential area was unexpected. I didn't think that the hills were ever going to end. The course was ok the rest of the way except for being very boring going through the endless parks. Crowd support was almost nonexistent through most of the race. Also note to the organizers..DON'T pack up things before all the runners are in. My time was 5:56, and when I arrived there was limited food , no water and no formal end of race pictures. There were many people behind me and I doubt if there was anything left for them.

I ran the Chicago Marathon(which was fun despite the heat) 2 weeks prior to the Des Moines marathon, but after running the crowded Chicago streets with 40,000 other runners, it sure was nice to run in Des Moines and not worry about being in someones way or wasting energy weaving around slower runners.

Des Moines was a well organized race. The route offered a varied scenery. The roads and paths were well maintained with few potholes or excessive crowning. Volunteers were helpful and enthusiastic. However, I did encounter 1 water station that had run out of cups. This was not a big deal to me because I felt their were plenty of water stations spaced closely enough that the lack of cups wasn't a crisis.

Heavy rains the week before made it necessary for a short portion of the course to be built up with gravel a foot or two above the nearby creek. The race director and workers deserve credit for making this effective last minute improvement to the course so runners wouldn't have to wade through flood waters.

As for the route itself, runners began in very clean, downtown Des Moines, ran east across the river to the steps of the beautiful capitol building, before turning back west into the downtown area again and beyond into the hills and mansions west of downtown Des Moines. The lap around Drake Stadium provided something different. Miles 17-25 or so were flat through a park in the river valley. Runners followed a large loop around a gigantic open field and a second loop around a large pond. It was a bit depressing looking across the field for the first time realizing that the ants on the other side were in fact runners. At mile 24.5 or so we emerged from the park and began the final stretch home into downtown Des Moines where we finished close to the start line.

One final thought: the race is still small enough that one can book a night in a nearby hotel and not worry about traffic or parking or any of the other concerns you have with a major race. Well done Des Moines.

It was my first marathon. I was very pleased with it. Can't decide on one thing though... there was a stretch of about 6-7 miles (15-22) in the park and there were no spectators around. On one hand, it would have been nice to have the crowd support; on the other, maybe that's what it is all about... just you and the road ahead of you. Will probably do it again next year.

After getting hammered by the hot weather at Twin Cities, I decided to come back and improve my time. I wasn't alone. TCM and Chicago refugees were well represented. This was my 20th marathon, and 10th different one. Anything critical I have to say is just nit-picking, and please take it in context. You can tell the race leadership cares about this race, and wants to make it perfect. They're darn close, and any dislikes (like course design), may just be stuff we live with.
The course:
The difficulty of the hills from mile 2-8 was unexpected. I hate deceiving course profiles and this one is. Nevertheless this part of the course was my favorite. Architecture is a personal interest, and this neighborhood had many beautiful and interesting homes and some impressive yard art too. Drake Stadium was a highlight; running in the footsteps of heroes. I was puzzled by the negative comments from last year about the final miles in the park, but now I understand. Those miles were grinders, boring, and the vast vistas ahead discouraging. Never thought I'd complain about the final miles being flat, but I guess I am. This is where fatigue from the early hills comes home to roost.
Aid stations:
More liquids available on course than I could possibly consume, even on a warm day. I agree with a previous post to keep the Gatorade-water order consistent.
Walkers:
Bless them, but the clusters of slow half-marathon walkers obstructing the course at the end were an annoyance. I feel petty even mentioning this, because I understand it's a big day for them too. But in the last six miles my patience is shot, sorry! Keep the walkers division; I understand that it's a community marathon and they help cover the budget. Just coaching them to stay right and avoid spreading across the road as they chat would fix this.
Staff, volunteers, fans:
Uniformly friendly. Midwest hospitality in spades. Loved the many course marshals on bikes too. I hope they had as much fun as it seemed.

It was nice to have bits of alternative types of turf (trail gravel, a wooden bridge) rather than concrete and asphalt lining the entire course. The police were professional and created a safe and superior environment. Traffic control and race support were also superb. There were more port-a-potties and water stops than I needed, which was fantastic. I actually ran faster than expected on this course, despite the little rolling hills and my own personal obstacles/glitches. There were nice fellow runners from various cities and excellent volunteers!!! However, I know there are more runners and racing fans living in the Des Moines area. For whatever reason, many of them did not show. Perhaps we need more beer and festivities at the finish? Or do we need more media/posters of the event beforehand? At any rate, this was an outstanding, unforgettable, and a very friendly experience.

This is my second Des Moines Marathon. I was so happy that they changed the course to have less time in WaterWorks Park. Great volunteers! Good bands! Bike support was everywhere! Great race for first-timers! The only negative was my time... and they can't do much about that!

It is very hilly. There are few spectators, but the spectators that are there are wonderful. Course is very nice and closed to traffic. Many scenic parts, several miles on bike paths (that are wide enough to accommodate the race).

If you are expecting a typical marathon with just a few thousand finishers you will be impressed. This one is very well organized.

After not getting to finish the 2007 Chicago Marathon, this was a great first 'full' marathon experience. Loved the hills and neighborhoods in the beginning, and the bike trail was really pretty. The out-and-backs around miles 10-16 were nice - we got to see the elite runners ahead of us on the way out, and on the way back got to see the end of the pack. The course was well-stocked, and crowd support was good... my husband and cousin got to see me about 8 times during the course. I enjoyed the jazz tuba player, electric cello, and harpist, along with other course entertainment. It only took me about a minute to cross the start line, and it was never congested. Great job, Des Moines! What a nice first full marathon experience!

Having lived in Des Moines for my college years, I held mixed emotions about doing this race. I thought I had seen enough of the city in my 6 years there. The marathon today proved me wrong! I was taken on a tour of a city that I mistakenly thought wasn't beautiful, and saw places that I never even knew existed. The Drake track brought me back to my roots. I was a walker inspired to run the track that I had seen Carl Lewis run when I was a student! Frequent porta-potties, water stops, and biking supporters helped too. As a walker, I also appreciated the option of an early start time, the continued support along the course for us slowpokes, and the generous finish time allowed. I wouldn't hesitate doing the race again or recommending it to others!

I ran this after DNF'ing in the heat at Twin Cities. I have to say, they did a GREAT job! I have never seen so many volunteers, water, Gatorade... and the course aid was a constant (and reassuring) presence on their bikes cheering us along! Not a lot of spectators in the later miles, and the first 7 miles of hills were a true challenge. Beautiful scenery, and the city couldn't have been more welcoming. I especially liked getting my race medal from the race director himself.