Chicago Athlete was again on the highway to kick off spring marathon season with a model new journey to Des Moines, Iowa for the Des Moines St. Paddy’s Day Marathon.
St. Paddy’s Day is the unofficial begin to spring operating, with over 100 races to enroll in all through the Midwest. On Saturday, March sixteenth, All Group Occasions hosted the Des Moines St. Paddy’s Day race collection which featured a 5K, Half Marathon and Marathon possibility.
Chicago Athlete on the Street has visited numerous locations in Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois, however has not made our solution to the good state of Iowa earlier than. And, after our weekend in Des Moines, I can let you know, we now have been lacking out.
There are two marathons in Des Moines that you could join; one within the spring and one within the fall. The Des Moines Marathon takes place in October and the Des Moines St. Paddy’s Day Marathon takes place in March. I’d extremely suggest that you just take into account including one or each of those to your race calendar and observe a few of my concepts beneath for a enjoyable, lively household trip.
I labored carefully with Catch Des Moines, the higher Des Moines Conference and Guests Bureau and the Des Moines Space Sports activities & Tourism Fee to ensure I skilled the town to its fullest. A part of your run-cation planning ought to embrace a web site to their web site to be taught in regards to the newest and biggest that Des Moines has to supply. Because the quickest rising metro space within the Midwest, there are new choices that you just received’t wish to miss once you go to. Catch Des Moines is a superb useful resource that it is best to lean on when planning your journey, and I can’t converse extra extremely about this group. They helped me to plan a run-cation full of lively household actions, wholesome meals choices and an abundance of enjoyable.
The drive is correct round 5 hours from Chicago, and comparatively free from visitors. At simply over the midway level to Des Moines, we stopped on the World’s Largest Truck Cease, Iowa 80. There are 900 truck spots and 150 fuel pumps at this landmark facility.
After our rendezvous on the truck cease, we headed straight to the East Village, which is a vibrant and various district in Des Moines with shops, eating, nightlife, and residential areas. It’s situated between the Iowa State Capitol and the Des Moines River, and charming to its core. Packet choose up for the race was held at Fleet Toes Des Moines within the East Village, so we started our exploration there. Fleet Toes affords a way of familiarity and luxury, because the shops are all laid out equally, and have the identical sort and pleasant employees members that you could find in Chicago.
After we grabbed my packet, we explored the outlets of East Village and located favorites within the “Storyhouse Bookpub”, which had comfortable seating, and rows of books to peruse. Our household favourite was “RAYGUN: The Biggest Retailer within the Universe” which had t-shirts with each sort of claiming you can think about. We additionally grabbed a espresso from “Vibrant Coffeehouse and Kitchen”, which had a comfortable seating space with home windows looking onto a muraled and colourful wall. This gave a stained-glass look, which paired so properly with the darkish wooden seating. I used to be enchanted by the East Village and the distinctive mix of commerce that may very well be discovered. We may have spent extra time exploring the realm, however we had been all getting hangry and must seize dinner earlier than checking in to the lodge.
We had dinner at Truman’s Pizza, which can also be situated in East Village, and had a enjoyable, relaxed vibe upon entrance. The menu provided a number of gluten free choices, which is so vital for me. I had a barbecue rooster salad which had avocado, corn, onion, tomatoes and bacon all nestled into the lettuce. It was an awesome pre-race meal, filled with protein and veggies. We discovered an Uno card recreation sitting above our sales space and performed playing cards till the meal got here. The employees was enjoyable and the power was mild, with St. Patrick’s day decorations all through the restaurant. The meal was successful and I’d undoubtedly suggest Truman’s Pizza for a family-friendly meal with wholesome and gluten free choices.
After the day of journey and exploration, I knew I wanted to get off my ft so we checked in to the Hilton Des Moines Downtown. This lodge hit it out of the park on each stage. Highlights embrace Starbucks within the Foyer, a clear pool, an unimaginable health heart with an Assault treadmill (sure, you learn that proper, an Assault tread!), immaculate rooms with the softest lodge mattress I’ve ever slept on, and the perfect location we may have requested for.
Okay, these are the highlights, listed here are the small print. We checked into our rooms and had been greeted with downy delicate comforters, a mini fridge to retailer my pre-race hydration, and a big walk-in bathe tiled to perfection. We visited the pool, which was easy but elegant. A big rectangular pool with a depth that went to 5 ft, and seating areas round made my plan to get off my ft a actuality. The pool is situated on the third ground of the lodge which permits for a scenic view of the Hyvee Conference Heart, Iowa State Capitol constructing, and far of the town skyline, together with the infamous umbrella from Traveler’s Insurance coverage.
After a dip within the pool, it was time to name it an evening, as I had an early morning and 26.2 miles to are likely to. I wakened and headed right down to the foyer to seize a Starbucks from the espresso nook. There was additionally a small market stocked with food and drinks choices.
One other HUGE profit that the Hilton Des Moines affords is a free shuttle service, which begins at 3:30 am. I had inquired the evening earlier than about with the ability to take the shuttle to the race begin and the employees assured me this is able to not be an issue. And, it was not! The concierge shuttled me right down to the beginning line and dropped me off only a few ft from the beginning line. Having a trip to the beginning line took a lot stress off of my race morning, as I didn’t have to fret about navigating an unknown space and discovering parking.
I walked to the beginning space to mingle with the runners and race employees. My pal, Alex Seavey, Occasion Director and Advertising and marketing Supervisor for All Group Occasions, did an unimaginable job with the coordination of this race, as did the entire employees members of the race firm. We arrived to an ample quantity of porta potties, which you already know is of the utmost significance to me! The power was excessive because the solar was simply rising behind the state capitol constructing. It was so lovely and the town of Des Moines was actually calling us to run the streets.
The half marathon and marathon distances started collectively at 7:45 am, following the enjoying of the Nationwide Anthem and recognition of the charity group, Greatest Buddies. 5K runners started at 8:15 am. The primary couple of miles had runners winding via the downtown streets and actually feeling the vibe of the town. We then headed out to run via a number of completely different park methods. We went throughout two completely different bridges and round a number of lakes. The course was completely paved with little or no elevation. Water and assist stations had been positioned each 1-3 miles alongside the course, together with porta potties for runners. There have been a small variety of spectators on the course, however a lot of the center of the route was tree lined and nature crammed, permitting runners to essentially join with the operating. The course went out to the 7-mile mark after which circled again to the beginning line for a 13.1 end. The total marathons turned in the beginning for a second loop.
I discovered the course to be a pleasant mix of city appeal and naturesque magnificence. It was astounding to me that we may very well be operating via the downtown space of commerce after which 5 miles later be circling a pond and hugging timber. I feel the course was a mirrored image of the varied choices that may be discovered within the Metropolis of Des Moines.
My solely criticism, and that is all the time a criticism for me, was the wind. It’s my least favourite factor to run in and all the time makes the run tougher, because it provides friction to struggle towards. It was highly effective and relentless on the outbound portion of the course. Nevertheless, it made the flip on the halfway level that rather more fulfilling because it then grew to become a tailwind for miles 7-11 and 20-24. The final couple of miles had us winding via the town streets and the wind was always shifting primarily based on the path we had been going.
As runners crossed the end line, they had been greeted by pleasant volunteers and a shamrock sugar cookie. Runners additionally obtained a finisher’s pint glass and medal, to go together with their alternative of a hoodie or t-shirt. The end line image alternatives had been additionally unimaginable as we completed dealing with the State Capitol constructing.
I completed the race and walked the 1 mile again to the lodge as a calm down. Unbeknownst to me the Metropolis was holding a St. Patrick’s Day parade, and the automobiles had been all staging on the streets as I walked again. It was so enjoyable to see the festively dressed folks lining as much as watch the parade. I took my time strolling again, having fun with the entire inexperienced enjoyable that was about to occur. There’s simply nothing like crowds ready for a parade to go!
I obtained again to the lodge, cleaned up and we headed out to take pleasure in extra of Des Moines. We started with Clean Park Zoo, which had lifelike constructions arrange all through the zoo of animals and flowers. Most of the animals had been exterior, regardless of the temps being within the 50’s with wind. Strolling via the zoo was a good way to shake out my muscular tissues and convey them again to actuality.
After the zoo, we went to Black Cat Ice Cream for some post-race fueling. This regionally owned ice cream store was packed full of individuals, lining up for the day’s handmade ice cream decisions. All St. Patrick’s Day themed, the ice cream decisions had been as distinctive because the constructing itself. We additionally ordered their particular ice cream nuggets, which appeared precisely like rooster nuggets. Little balls of ice cream are rolled in a crushed topping or cereal and plated up with a dipping sauce of scorching fudge for a enjoyable, scrumptious ice cream expertise.
After the sugar started hitting us, we headed to my youngsters’s favourite a part of the journey, Climb Iowa. As Iowa’s largest indoor climbing and coaching health club, there’s something for climbers of all ages and talents. Climb Iowa has a downtown location and a bigger health club in Grimes, Iowa, which we opted for. It was simply 20 minutes from our lodge and a simple drive. We started with a thirty-minute orientation, the place we realized in regards to the gear, security guidelines, and got instruction on climbing and falling. The employees was extremely useful and welcoming, particularly to a set of recent climbers.
Following the orientation, we started climbing! With 10,000 sq. ft of climbing and 200 routes to discover, there was a continuing problem to tackle. The partitions went as much as 37.5 ft with various ranges of issue. This was an awesome exercise and jogged my memory that I must work on my higher physique power. My total household loved this expertise, and it unlocked a brand new pastime for us to discover. We had been additionally exhausted after we lastly left the climbing health club.
After climbing, we headed to a traditional Des Moines staple for dinner, the Iowa Faucet Room. Additionally situated within the East Village, this brewery options 99 faucets of Iowa craft brews. The inside is rustic and comfy with a enjoyable, relaxed vibe. The employees was heat and welcoming and had our order out inside minutes of us sitting down.
There have been many wholesome and gluten free meals choices and the waitstaff was meticulous to make sure that orders had been appropriate. My husband tried out two of the native brews and loved each of them. This place has all kinds of things on the menu that your loved ones will take pleasure in. A bonus of a Saturday race means you possibly can take pleasure in a drink or two Saturday evening! And, what higher place to rejoice a end than a neighborhood favourite.
One other bonus of the Iowa Faucet Room is that it’s situated proper next-door to Molly’s Cupcakes, a Chicago favourite. I had no concept that in addition they had a Des Moines location, however what a good way to cap off dinner. Molly’s all the time has gluten free cupcakes and separates their buttercream frosting to make sure that it stays uncontaminated. The youngsters sat on swings as we had a candy deal with to complete off the night.
Fortunate for us, the Iowa Wolves had been on the town on Saturday evening. They play 50 video games, with 24 of them being residence video games, that are performed on the Wells Fargo Enviornment. We caught a 7 pm recreation, and watched the Wolves play an awesome recreation towards the Mexico Capitanes. The spotlight of the sport was the mascot, Alpha, who engaged the gang with video games and leisure.
We walked via an inner skywalk from our lodge to the world, so we didn’t have a bulk of coats to retailer in the course of the recreation. It was very handy and an reasonably priced, family-friendly solution to spend our Saturday evening. The world hosts quite a lot of video games and concert events and is a superb place to go to with households.
The weekend was one to recollect and I can’t thank Alex Wilson, Communications and PR Supervisor for Catch Des Moines, sufficient for serving to us to expertise Des Moines in an lively, family-friendly method. This metropolis is filled with the whole lot we, Chicago athletes, love from actions that preserve your loved ones transferring to wholesome menu choices. The colourful group has buying and eateries of every kind and a Midwest acquainted consolation that’s welcoming and fascinating.
Try the Des Moines Marathon is October 20, 2024 and observe this plan to have an awesome weekend in Iowa. Or, get the St. Paddy’s Day Des Moines Marathon in your schedule for 2025 and be a part of me, as I return to discover extra of this nice metropolis.