Be a part of the IMT Des Moines Marathon race experience, without actually racing in-person.

The IMT Des Moines Marathon Virtual event offers a safe and healthy way for you to participate in the IMT Des Moines Marathon excitement, get outside, and run or walk your course, from your home... or anywhere in the world!

Athletes competing in the virtual event race distance of their choice, anytime from October 16 through October 31, will receive:

SWAG including finisher medal, short-sleeve tech shirt, and race wrap. (shipped directly to each participant following the completion of the virtual event participation window on October 31).

Free download of the IMT DMM app, for details like virtual event information, selfie filters, virtual goodies, runner playlist, and much more.

Online Race Results page for uploading race results, personalized athlete bib, finisher certificate, and race results statistics.

Interactive inspiration wall, social media channels, and virtual village promotions.

In-ear audio Motigo experience for personal cheers and fun “course” entertainment on our run…wherever you are!

Be sure to download the IMT DMM app to stay connected during your training and to utilize all of the innovative features and tools offered through the app during your virtual run, including cheer messages from MOTIGO. (see below).

The IMT Des Moines Marathon offers you the ability to participate in the IMT Des Moines Marathon races from virtually anywhere in the world… including your neighborhood.

Distances include the IMT Des Moines Marathon, Half Marathon, 5-Mile, and Principal 5K. The Bankers Trust Relay Challenge allows teams of 2 to 5 athletes to complete any of the virtual race distances offered together as a team.

There is no 'course time limit'. Complete your IMT Des Moines Marathon virtual race distance in a continuous, single run or walk. Just as you would in-person, but on a date and time that works for you.

Create your course in advance to ensure you achieve the necessary mileage, then during the virtual race window of participation complete it on a date and time that works best for you. Manage and record your virtual race results using an app, watch, or another timing device.

Already registered for one of the in-person IMT Des Moines Marathon races and can't participate now that the race has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

You can transfer your existing, paid event registration to the IMT DMM Virtual Event. You will need your unique transaction ID from your original in-person registration to transfer to the Virtual Event at no cost.

Then, you will be placed in the same virtual event race distance category as your in-person race registration. If you need to make any updates to the assigned virtual event race distance that you would like to participate in, simply email your request to info@desmoinesmarathon.com and the update will be made at no cost to you.

The ability to transfer your existing, in-person, 2020 paid event registration to the virtual event closes October 30 at 11:59 pm.

Athletes transferring from in-person to virtual event will still receive athlete loyalty Heel to Toe Club credit for participating in the IMT Des Moines Marathon this year.

The IMT Des Moines Marathon Virtual Event offers you the ability to participate in your virtual event race distance from virtually anywhere in the world. Complete the race distance in a continuous, single run. Just as you would in-person on race day.

There is no 'course time limit' in the virtual event. Create a self-designed course, or run the existing route that you have already been training on. You can even run or walk the actual IMT Des Moines Marathon racecourse of your choice.

The IMT Des Moines Marathon encourages all virtual event participants to follow proper runner safety and etiquette while considering to select a route that incorporates trails, bike lanes, or roads that do not attract heavy vehicle traffic. Consult the IMT DMM app and website for course maps.

Once you have completed your virtual race distance, record your finish time and return to the IMT Des Moines Marathon Virtual Event Experience registration page to submit your results online and to be included in the virtual race leaderboard. Click on the ‘Post Results’ tab next to the specific race distance you completed, log-in, and submit your results in an H:MM:SS format.

Virtual race results are uploaded in periodic batches during the window of participation to the official IMT Des Moines Marathon online race results page providing access to a finisher certificate for download. Prize money, overall awards, and age division awards are not offered.

You may find it helpful to take a screenshot of your race results for your own record-keeping purposes.

The IMT Des Moines Marathon Virtual Event offers athletes the ability to listen to cheer messages during their run thanks to our partners at Motigo.

Imagine hearing cheers from friends, family, even those who are thousands of miles away.

Personalize your IMT Des Moines Marathon Virtual Event race day experience using your favorite music/apps - just add the free Motigo for a truly unique run and magical virtual event experience. Take your mind off the miles with an audio tour during the event with periodic pre-recorded messages highlighting our sponsors and some added motivation directly from the race director!

On the day of your virtual run, hear inspiring personalized audio messages from your friends and family – wherever they are. Plus record your mantras and reminders (fuel, hydrate, pace yourself) to make the day yours!

Instructions for athletes:
• Download the IMT Des Moines Marathon app and then, download the Motigo app. (Currently available for iOS and Android)
• Sign up for a free account
a. Allow Motigo to “access your location” - it needs to be able to do that so the messages play at the proper mileage points
• Choose "Race." On the next screen, pick "Select Event", then choose your “Distance”
• Share Event with your personal link: Invite your friends and family to pre-record cheers that will play during your race. They can download the Motigo App OR go to our website www.getmotigo.com and “Record Cheers” via the web!

On the day of your IMT Des Moines Marathon Virtual Event run:
• Before your run, open Motigo then click “Start Event” and you're good to go (make sure cellular and GPS is enabled for Motigo).
• Turn on any other music or other fitness apps you typically use, such as the iHeart Radio running playlist that is already included in the IMT DMM app. Motigo won't interfere with them.
• Start moving! The messages will come on periodically, and your other audio that's playing will automatically lower in volume.
• When you're done, press "Finish Event." All your messages will be archived in “My Past Events” where you will have them to listen to again.

Other questions? Motigo has a super helpful “How It Works” videos and FAQ page at www.getmotigo.com/faq.

Double your virtual event race experience by combining the IMT Des Moines 5-Mile Virtual Run with your race of choice in the marathon, half marathon, or 5K virtual race distance.

Register for both the 5-Mile Run and your virtual race of choice that you would like to participate in.

Or, if you are already registered for one of the virtual event race distances offered, go back to the virtual event registration page and register for the virtual race you need to add, and you will automatically be included in the 5-Mile Combo. Click here.

Athletes may complete the two virtual race distances the same day, two consecutive days, or anytime during the virtual event two-week window of participation,

Each athlete receives a unique finisher medal for each virtual event race distance completed and a commemorative 5-Mile Combo finisher medal charm. Athletes will receive the race amenities offered in each virtual event distance, as well, such as two shirts and two race wraps.

Double your races. Double your hardware.

The IMT Des Moines Marathon Virtual Event experience allows you to do more than upload a selfie to your favorite social page. You can take your photo through the IMT DMM app and overlay it against an official IMT Des Moines Marathon backdrop.

When uploading your virtual event photos to your favorite social media channels, use the hashtag; #imtdmm

RRCA General Running Safety Tips

DON’T WEAR HEADPHONES. Use your ears to be aware of your surroundings. Your ears may help you avoid dangers your eyes may miss during the evening or early morning runs.

Run against traffic so you can observe approaching automobiles. By facing on-coming traffic, you may be able to react quicker than if it is behind you.

Look both ways before crossing. Be sure the driver of a car acknowledges your right-of-way before crossing in front of a vehicle. Obey traffic signals.

Carry identification or write your name, phone number, and blood type on the inside sole of your running shoe. Include any medical information.

Always stay alert and aware of what’s going on around you. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are.

Carry a cell phone or change for a phone call. Know the locations of public phones along your regular route.

Trust your intuition about a person or an area. React on your intuition and avoid a person or situation if you’re unsure. If something tells you a situation is not “right”, it isn’t.

Alter or vary your running route pattern; run in familiar areas if possible. In unfamiliar areas, such as while traveling, contact a local RRCA club or running store. Know where open businesses or stores are located in case of an emergency.

Run with a partner (social distance). Run with a dog.

Write down or leave word of the direction of your run. Tell friends and family about your favorite running routes.

Avoid unpopulated areas, deserted streets, and overgrown trails. Avoid unlit areas, especially at night. Run clear of parked cars or bushes.

Ignore verbal harassment and do not verbally harass others. Use discretion in acknowledging strangers. Look directly at others and be observant, but keep your distance and keep moving.

Wear reflective material if you must run before dawn or after dark. Avoid running on the street when it is dark.

Practice memorizing license tags or identifying characteristics of strangers.

Carry a noisemaker. Get training in self-defense.

When using multi-use trails, follow the rules of the road. If you alter your direction, look over your should before crossing the trail to avoid a potential collision with an oncoming cyclist or passing runner.

CALL POLICE IMMEDIATELY if something happens to you or someone else, or you notice anyone out of the ordinary. It is important to report incidents immediately

For IMT Des Moines Marathon Virtual Event-related questions, please click on the *Contact the Organizers* button on the left-hand side of this page.