Des Moines & Cedar Rapids Marathons Add New 10K Race for 2026

by Chief Editor

Runners in Iowa will have a new race option starting in 2026. The IMT Des Moines Marathon Weekend will add the Bankers Trust 10K to its event lineup, debuting on October 18 as part of the marathon weekend’s 25th anniversary celebration.

New Race Options for Iowa Runners

The addition of the 10K distance comes after organizers considered feedback from participants. The new race will also be offered at the inaugural Cedar Rapids Marathon Weekend on June 7. Both events are organized by Endurance Sports Marketing, a local event company.

Did You Know? The new 10K race will debut alongside the 25th anniversary of the IMT Des Moines Marathon Weekend.

Registration for all races at both the Des Moines and Cedar Rapids events, including the new 10K, is currently open. Interested participants can find more information and sign up at desmoinesmarathon.com and cedarrapidsmarathon.com.

Expert Insight: Adding a 10K distance is a common strategy for marathon organizers looking to broaden participation. It provides an entry point for runners who may not be prepared for a half or full marathon, potentially increasing overall event attendance and community engagement.

It is possible that the addition of the 10K could attract a wider range of runners to both events. Organizers may also consider expanding race weekend offerings further in the future, based on the success of this new distance. A possible next step could be to analyze registration data to determine the demand for other race lengths.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the first Bankers Trust 10K take place?

The first Bankers Trust 10K will be held on October 18 as part of the IMT Des Moines Marathon Weekend’s 25th anniversary celebration.

Where else will the 10K be offered?

The 10K will also be offered at the inaugural Cedar Rapids Marathon Weekend on June 7.

Who organizes these events?

Both the IMT Des Moines Marathon Weekend and the Cedar Rapids Marathon Weekend are produced by Endurance Sports Marketing, a local event company.

How might the addition of a shorter race distance impact the overall marathon weekend experience?

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