Chris talked about the Des Moines Marathon and key points were:
- Marathon dates are October 18-20 and it continues to have IMT as their lead sponsor.
- DSM is a popular venue with 53% return runners compared to 38% nationally. Popularity of DSM includes:
- Community support.
- Green and welcoming city.
- Popular downtown activities.
- 60 different vendors participate.
- Full racing venue from walkers, kids run, ½ marathon and full marathon.
- 8,000 runners and walkers participate in one of the many events.
- 1,000 volunteers are involved with all kinds of race activities.
- 75% of the runners come from Iowa, 85% from Iowa and states touching Iowa, runners also come from 11 different countries.
- Virtual races are starting to occur.
- $2,000,000 economic impact from the DSM Marathon.
- There is as difference in “Gun Time” versus “Chip Time.”
- An Ironman event will be coming to DSM next year.
- Technology is an important element of race support.
- Each runner has a chip.
- Information includes split times, key location times and final run time.
- Can determine runner location during the race.
- Real-time messaging can be sent to the runners during the run.
- The Kansas City and DSM Marathons partner for an I-35 Challenge where runners can run a ½ Marathon or Full Marathon on Saturday in K.C. and then again on Sunday in DSM.
- There is a goal for some participants to run a marathon in all 50 states. Iowa is known to be one of the final marathons run. Participants will often tell the race leadership that the DSM Marathon is their favorite run.