When we started designing The Night Run route, we knew one thing right away: we didn’t want the typical Des Moines race course.
There are plenty of events that highlight the trails or the parks. We wanted something that highlighted the urbanism of Des Moines. The streets and structures that built this city.
It took time, but we’re confident The Night Run will be unlike any race you’ve done in Des Moines, and likely anywhere else.
The 2026 course runs down Court Ave as the neon lights flick on. It dives into an alley most people never notice during the daily commute. It climbs the 8th Street Viaduct, leveling athletes with the setting sun high above the city. It passes the baseball stadium during a summer night game and finishes along the waterfront.
And, for the first time in more than 60 years of Des Moines road racing, runners will climb up and down a seven-story downtown parking garage.
There are always unknowns when you do something for the first time.
But one thing we do know.
This will be unlike anything you’ve ever run.
