20 events in Des Moines, Iowa

The Red Flannel Run is the longest, consecutively-produced race in the Des Moines area with a 5K and 10K option. Wear your favorite red flannel attire and help support the YMCA’s mission to strengthen the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

EMBRACE THE COLD. RUN THE RACE. SUPPORT THE CAUSE.

Packet Pick Up

February 12, 2026 at Wellmark YMCA (time is 4:30-6:30pm). 501 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

February 13, 2026 at the Wellmark YMCA (time is 4:30-6:30pm). 501 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

February 14, 2026 at the Wellmark YMCA (Beginning at 7:30am). 501 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

Race Day Parking:

Available at the parking garage on Locust Street between 6th Avenue and 5th Avenue. To access this parking garage on race day, take 7th Street South to Locust Street. Go East on Locust Street and the entrance is on the North/Left side of the street between 6th Avenue and 5th Avenue.

Parking also available at the parking garage on 5th street between Grand Avenue and Watson Powell Jr Way. To access this parking garage, go East on Locust Street to 4th Street. Go North/Left on 4th street to Grand Avenue. Go West/Left on Grand Avenue to 5th Avenue. Go North/Right on 5th Avenue to the parking garage entrance.

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.

This year’s event will again feature a Saturday evening 5K, followed by a Sunday morning Half Marathon, 10K, and Team Relay.

Join us as we crush some miles, toast some wine, and party like it’s 1999.

The Iowa Hope Run is a movement that brings together survivors, families, friends, and supporters from Iowa and beyond to raise awareness and funds for brain tumor research, advocacy, and patient support.

This event has spent more than a decade building a strong, compassionate community rooted in Central Iowa. As we grow, our new name reflects what has always been true—hope knows no boundaries. While proudly Iowa-based, the Iowa Hope Run welcomes participants from anywhere who are united by a shared mission: supporting those affected by brain tumors and working toward a future without them.

Participants of all ages and abilities are invited to join us at Water Works Park in Des Moines for a meaningful and inspiring day. Choose from multiple distances, including a 2K, 5K, or 10.1K, or participate virtually if you’re supporting from afar. Whether you’re running, walking, fundraising, or volunteering, every step makes an impact.

Proceeds from the Iowa Hope Run benefit Dragon Master Initiative, National Brain Tumor Society, and Children’s Cancer Connection—three organizations doing critical work in brain tumor research, awareness, advocacy, and family support.

This is more than a race—it’s a day of hope, remembrance, and community. We invite you to join us.

Join us in-person or virtually at 9am CDT for the 13th annual Race to Feed Kids in support of Mary’s Meals, an international feeding charity that provides a daily meal to children in their place of education. This isn’t just your average run/walk. Every single race registration will feed one child at Mcheza school in Malawi, Africa for an ENTIRE school year, helping to end hunger and change their story.

Thank you for your generous support of Mary's Meals and the Race to Feed Kids in Des Moines, Iowa!

*This race is coordinated by Heartland for Kids, 501(c)(3). "Feeding the world's youth with Mary's Meals."

Hey Iowa! Show your spirit for America and our men and women in uniform by participating in the Stars Stripes Spirit 5K Walk/Run. The event supports the veterans, youth and our communities of Iowa through the programs of the Iowa American Legion.

Get your most patriotic costume to show off your patriotism or simply walk or run as you join others in celebrating the men and women who defend America.

Enjoy food, drinks and music as we celebrate with the Stars Stripes Spirit 5K on Armed Forces Day - May 16, 2026.

This registration is NOT for Girls on the Run Participants or Coaches. GOTR Participants and coaches are already registered for the event.

Join us for the 5K – open to all! Whether you run or walk, you're welcome as a community runner. Your participation supports girls throughout central Iowa, helping them be joyful, healthy, and confident. Let's shine together with our Star Power!

Each season comes to an end with a celebratory 5K. This closing event gives program participants of all abilities a tangible sense of accomplishment. Crossing the finish line instills confidence through completion and is a joyful moment program participants always remember!

Anyone is welcome to participate in the end-of-season 5K celebration.

Packet Pick-Up

Friday, May 15 from 4-6 PM at Walnut Creek Y

Sunday, May 17 starting at 12:30 PM at Principal Park

Race start time is 2:00 PM

Join us for the annual Hometown Half Marathon & 5k/10k! A run local-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.

The fun includes -

• Great Swag - designer shirt & custom medal

• Chip-timing with live results and awards

• Pacers for the half marathon

• Free photos

• Delicious Treats waiting at the finish line

• Plenty of fun!

Grab your friends and family, you are not going to want to miss this one!

Can't make the race? No problem! We offer a virtual race option where you can run anywhere, at any time, and still earn the fun swag!

*Youth-based pricing for the 5k/10k, 12 & Under are only $17!

• Half Marathon Registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• 10k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• 5k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• 1 Mile registration is untimed and includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• The kid's dash is a fun, untimed dash for our kiddos ages 10 and under. Registration includes a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and a specifically crafted medal for our kids' dash event! (If your child wants to run the kid's dash, and doesn't want the SWAG, they are welcome to run with us on race day for free!)

*Register by midnight on Thursday, two Thursdays before race day, to guarantee your shirt!

Celebrate what makes running fun — high-fives, adrenaline and good friends. Come hang with Fleet Feet on Global Running Day and make The Big Run an epic party. Meet at SingleSpeed Brewing Co. for a breezy 3.1 miles in your best "retro runner" getup to celebrate the thing that has brought us together through the generations-- running!

Participants who register by 6/3 will receive a swag bag, including a free post-run drink! While Supplies Last

Sign up now (endorphins included).

Get ready to walk, jog, run and more with Capital City Pride at our annual Pride Stride! Join us for a vibrant and inclusive morning filled with love, unity, and community support.

Date: Saturday, June 13th

Time: 8:00 A.M.

Come kick off the second day of PrideFest with us! Pride Stride is more than just a race; it's a celebration of diversity and acceptance. Whether you're a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or somewhere in between, everyone is welcome to participate and show their support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Packet Pick Up Information:

Thursday, June 11th - 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM : Single Speed Brewing Location: 303 Scott Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

Saturday, June 13th - 6:45 AM - 7:40 AM : East 6th and Locust (Near Mainstage of Pride Festival