Where can I find the Drake Road Races Half Marathon route map?
Use the official course links on this page for the organiser route page, map PDF or route download.
Official course linksDrake Road Races Half Marathon
This race edition
- Race date
- Date not confirmed for this distance
- Race timezone
- Timezone not confirmed
- Edition status
- Status not confirmed
Entry options
2027 edition
Entry options are not yet confirmed for this edition. Check the organiser before making plans.
Decision summary
Drake Road Races Half Marathon at a glance
- Cut-off average pace
- 8:32/km
- Typical conditions
- 77/100
- Evidence depth
- 33 verified facts
3:00:00 total limit divided by distance. Check gun/chip timing and intermediate limits; allow time for stops.
Historical race-date favourability, not a forecast
Source facts available
Route details
Known course facts at a glance
Drake Road Races Half Marathon has known course details for its half marathon race. The summary below keeps the focus on what is confirmed for the course.
- Official distance
- 21.1 km
- Terrain
- Road, Trail
- Scenery
- City, Historic, Parkland
Quick answers
What runners ask first
How hilly is the Drake Road Races Half Marathon?
The Drake Road Races Half Marathon is described as gently rolling.
Where does the Drake Road Races Half Marathon route go?
The Drake Road Races Half Marathon route starts at Bulldog Plaza on the southwest corner of Forest Avenue, outside Drake Stadium and finishes at The iconic Blue Oval inside Drake Stadium. Underfoot, expect paved roads (closed street course). It passes Drake University campus, Drake Stadium, Waterbury neighborhood, Beaverdale neighborhood and Blue Oval track. All races finish on the iconic Blue Oval track inside Drake Stadium.
What should runners know on race day for the Drake Road Races Half Marathon?
Gear check available from 6:30 AM; participants detach a tear-off tag from their bib and leave items with volunteers. Run on a closed street course monitored by the Des Moines Police Department.
Race character
Scenery
- City
- Historic
- Parkland
Atmosphere
- Community
- Competitive
Terrain
- Road
- Trail
- Elevation character
- Gently Rolling
- Technicality
- Non Technical
Entry, logistics and records
Records and field
- Field size
- Over 3,600 participants in 2026 (record participation across all three distances).
Entry requirements
- Entry status
- Open entry: The held registration model is open entry and this edition is not marked sold out.
- Cut-off
- Three-hour time limit (14:00 per mile pace maximum).
- Qualification status
- Open road race with no qualifying standard; not a Boston qualifier.
Race day logistics
- Bag drop
- Gear check available from 6:30 AM; participants detach a tear-off tag from their bib and leave items with volunteers.
- Closed roads
- Run on a closed street course monitored by the Des Moines Police Department.
- Expo / packet pickup
- Relays Health & Fitness Expo at the Knapp Center on the Drake University campus serves as packet pickup the day before the race; in-person early registration also held at Cowles Commons downtown.
- Medal
- All participants receive a commemorative finisher medal.
- Finisher tee
- All participants receive a premium, gender-specific apparel item.
Access and course status
- Start
- Bulldog Plaza on the southwest corner of Forest Avenue, outside Drake Stadium.
- Finish
- The iconic Blue Oval inside Drake Stadium.
Course facts
- Course type
- Point To Point
- Surface
- Paved roads (closed street course).
- Landmarks
- Drake University campus, Drake Stadium, Waterbury neighborhood, Beaverdale neighborhood, Blue Oval track
- Notable features
- All races finish on the iconic Blue Oval track inside Drake Stadium
- participants receive a free ticket to the Drake Relays Distance Carnival and free professional race photos
- Scenic fan-favourite residential course through the charming Waterbury and Beaverdale neighborhoods
What are typical race-day conditions?
- 11°CTypical temperature
- 24 kphTypical wind
- 3 mmTypical rainfall
- 77Favourability /100