I have to say, I really enjoyed the Des Moines Marathon.
Staying at a hotel just a few blocks from the start/finish meant I got off to a nice easy start on race day. The short walk helped me warm up and gave me a chance to make a few final decisions on clothing. Despite the forecast, it really wasn’t too cold out, so instead of tights I went with shorts, and instead of layers I went with my Disney Marathon technical shirt–an old favorite that served me well again. I also took my thinnest gloves, and once we got moving I never regretted the decision to leave my arm warmers and other gear behind.
It was a big crowd, but I found a decent spot near the front. Somebody almost tripped me up at the start, but with that disaster averted we headed out along a very pretty course front-loaded with hills. These proved a decent challenge, especially for the wheelchair athletes who headed out before the main pack, but they rewarded us with a tour of some of the area’s nicest homes and some gorgeous fall foliage.
The one drawback to the course? The out and backs along the way, although one of these did give me a chance to watch the leaders go sprinting by in the opposite direction. Also, while it’s a nice idea to route the runners through the stadium at Drake University, the wind howling around the bowl and the lack of spectators made for a lackluster experience. By contrast, the Potsdam Marathon begins and ends in a stadium, and because the full marathon requires two laps spectators can see racers three times without leaving their seats.
A lovely trail led us back into the river valley for a loop through Water Works Park, a turn around Gray’s Lake, and a sprint downtown.
The organization impressed me. Despite the large numbers involved, everything ran smoothly. The website and race packet provided me with all the information my family and I needed. There was plenty of water and gatorade, though little else–only two GU stations, from what I could tell, and no sponges or fruit along the course. But there were many, many volunteers and spectators cheering us on.
When I finished (with a pretty decent time) I discovered that somewhere between mile 19.5 (the last timing mat) and the finish I had lost my timing chip. No worries, though; a race official appeared at my side almost instantly, took my finishing time from my Garmin, and had the information entered into the system such that it showed up online by the time my wife and I checked a few hours later.
After picking up a classy, traditional looking medal and grabbing some water I had the good fortune of running into Rob H. from dailymile. We snapped a photo together, briefly swapped stories, and promised to arrange a real get-together next time we’re running the same race (perhaps a spring ultra in Chicago?) Then it was off to the hotel for a quick shower before they kicked me out of my room.
All in all, a very good day.