I have run in all 9 Des Moines Marathons. After the fifth year, the organization of the race is exceptional. Great weather and fan support. It has the feel of a much larger race but still maintains a "smaller" race atmosphere.

I decided to run Des Moines because my daughter started medical school there this past fall. (Woo hoo!) Packet pick-up was quick and easy. I loved the course. The out-and-back loops were a nice touch, because you could see the leaders, and the Drake track experience was kind of like having a stadium finish. I was pleasantly surprised by the challenging hills, which helped to relieve overworked muscle groups. Fans were great throughout the different neighborhoods. Lots of porta-potties made for quick stops. I would like to thank all of the excellent volunteers. Also, I really enjoyed the Nollen Plaza finish that was stocked with lots of good food. My only complaint is the tech shirt; it fits fine in the body, but is really tight in the arms. I wish it were because of my big guns, but I believe it's because of the make of the shirt.

Pros:

1) Easy to jump into. Registered about 3-4 weeks before the race start.
2) Was able to jump into a corral within 5 minutes of race start and was 1/2 mile from my hotel.
3) Awesome spread of food / beverage at the end.
4) Better than average crowd support throughout the entire race.

The hills were challenging but I was prepared (mentally and physically). I'd want to say there were only about 3 - 4 hills that were worth worrying about. In fact, there was a lot of scenery (stately mansions, woods and crowds) that took my mind off of the hills. I think I enjoyed this section of the course more than the water park.

The t-shirt is also one of my favorites. The map of the route that I ran shows I ran a marathon and it's proud to point it out.

I'd like to see one more water stop closer to the end `of the race. It was getting pretty warm and one more stop wouldn't ha0ve hurt.

Not sure this is a PR-setting course (due to the hills), but if you are looking for a big-city marathon without the big-city hassles, check out Des Moines.

I have run 16 marathons and this was one of the best. Good support along the course with volunteers offering tissues and Vaseline along with water. The food at the end was plentiful and good (beer, barbecue, potato chips). However, I would like it to start an hour earlier.

I read previous comments on this race: "The course had some early hills, but the gorgeous fall colors helped to distract from that." This year, 2010, we really had a perfect weather and I really enjoyed all of that. Lots of shade. YMCA let us use their shower. Easy start area. No wait at porta-potties. Good race!!! Good job!!!

Ran this as my first "real" marathon (PR by 1.5 hours). Hills were not as bad as feared, but I was gassed by the end. Was disappointed many halfers had cleared out food and clogged massage tables when I finished (in top 10% finish, even). The 3:10 pace team was awesome. There were lots of fans at the start and end, but it was very quiet between miles 16-22. Will run again because I'm local, but it's not on my must-do list.

This race did a great job of highlighting the beauty of Des Moines. The route was a nice mix of neighborhoods and parks. This was the 11th state/marathon that my wife and I have done together and it was the best organized thus far. This race is a real treasure. If you are looking for a great fall marathon this one should be on your list.

Perfect weather in 2010 to run. Hills in early part of race were tough, but scenic through very well established neighborhoods. Cool to run around Drake Relays track. Great, flat, back half for running fast, but a little boring. Would be great to have more spectators in the back half. Well organized with a nice medal but cheap shirt. Two years in a row for a cheap shirt! Finish line food is tasty and plentiful. Volunteers are great! A well-run marathon with great Iowa hospitality. Host hotel is 15 steps from the start line and is a nice place. Who needs Chicago's crowds? Run Des Moines instead!

Great work, Des Moines! This was my first marathon and I decided to drive the 10 hours back to where I grew up: Des Moines, IA (from where I currently live, in Denver, CO) and I couldn't be happier with my decision. Sure, I could have stayed in Denver and run a marathon the exact same day that boasts "music every mile" after the Denver Marathon sold out to the Rock N Roll series. I would have literally walked to the start from my apartment in Denver, but I would have missed the Midwest hospitality and fuzzy feelings that a small marathon in your home town gives you!

Ok, so maybe I'm a bit biased, but in all honesty it's a great race. Packet pick-up was easy as pie with two full days of expo and a host of speakers. The expo was standard... I've always wondered what people are expecting when they say expos aren't good enough. You go pick up a race number and look at running gear; what more do you really need? Getting to the start was hassle-free (thanks for the drop-off, mom!) and there was an entire block of port-a-potties, which was great for us first-timers with pre-race jitters.

One area that could be improved for next year regards the space at the start. I was trying to line up in the 4:00 pace area and ended up kind of on a side street because there just wasn't enough room. Perhaps another block for the start would be good. I felt the course highlighted the City of Des Moines very well! Props to the spectators; they cheered loudly and had funny signs. And so what if they're a bit spotty in places... if you need someone cheering on the side of the road for the entire 26.2 miles then perhaps a 5-hour drive to Chicago would suit you better. I felt the aid/water stations were well staffed and supplied. I never had to slow down to grab water or Gatorade and I loved the GU stations: lots of varieties! The gummy bears around mile 17 in Waterworks park were heavenly.... I'd never eaten gummy bears while running before, so it was a bit of a gamble on my part but now I can't put the darn things down!

The finish area in Nollen Plaza got a bit congested, which isn't really surprising, since it's the same area as the start. Again, another block would be good, as people were backed up into the finish area waiting in line for food. But oh was the food good. BBQ sliders after a marathon? Yes, please! A very nice variety of post-race food, from ice cream to pizza, and everything in between. You can bet I'll be back to Des Moines every October for as long as my knees will let me. Great job and thank you to all the amazing volunteers and the race director. Des Moines should be proud to have its name on this great race.

I have done 10 marathons and this by far is my favorite. The course was awesome; I have never seen so many porta-potties on a course before. The finish line food was fantastic. I was nervous about the hills, but they were actually a lot easier than I expected. The spectators were every where on the course. The pacer I used was awesome.

Only complaint is the shirt. Great design, but it's about two sizes too small.