The Night Run DSM 2026

Description

The Night Run is a 5K, 10K, and Night Mile experience through downtown Des Moines that reimagines what a running event can feel like. The race starts in the new MRKT District of before cuts through downtown using parking ramps, viaducts, bridges, and city streets to create a route that’s as engaging as it is challenging. After the race, the night continues with a post-race party featuring a DJ along the Des Moines Riverfront, with city lights as the backdrop.

Built for all paces, Night Run is designed to be social, high-energy, and leave you with the feeling of endless summer.

The 10K begins at 7:00 PM, followed by the 5K at 7:15 PM. You can pair either race with the Night Mile, or run the Night Mile as a stand-alone event.

Night Mile Corrals When registering, be sure to select the Night Mile corral that best matches your estimated finish time. We offer five corrals:

Community Wave – 8:15 PM Open to all ages and paces, with a 15-minute cutoff.

Intermediate Wave – 8:35 PM For runners expecting to finish between 7:00–9:00 minutes.

Fast Wave – 8:50 PM For runners expecting to finish between 5:30–7:00 minutes.

Women’s Elite Final For women only who can run under 6:30 minutes.

Men’s Elite Final For men only who can run under 5:30 minutes.