FAQ
GENERAL EVENT INFO
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We value your money and want to make sure we’re delivering an exceptional experience to you wherever we can. Our standard refund policy across all races does not allow for refunds, transfers or deferrals for any reason.
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If you’re unable or do not desire to run in-person on race day you’ll be able to run virtually with us no matter where you are. Even if you’ve already registered for the in-person event changing your registration to virtual is easy and can be done using the steps listed below.
The deadline to have your swag shipped is April 15, 2025. If you sign up or transfer to virtual after April 15th you may not receive your swag before the in-person race weekend unless picked up in-person.
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The average high temperature for early May in Des Moines is in the low 70’s. Perfect for a run through our favorite city.
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Yes! We’re proud to partner with the Girls on the Run of Central Iowa. A donation can be made here.
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Of course! However, men will not be eligible for awards but will be recognized for their achievements.
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Our 5K, 10K, and Team Relay events do not have an age limit so long as all athletes are deemed physically capable to run by a medical professional.
Our Half Marathon requires athletes to be 12 or over to compete.
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Yes! We partner with the newly renovated Renaissance Savery Des Moines to deliver a downtown boutique hotel experience at a great value.
We are sorry, the room block at the Renaissance Savery has sold out for our 2026 event.
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Pack your ponchos! Rain or shine the event will happen. If there is unsafe weather, we will work with the Des Moines police to monitor the situation and keep you informed.
We most definitely want to ensure each athlete gets to experience the DSMWHM but we will make sure that the safety of the athletes, volunteers, staff and city officials is the number one priority. Stay connected to our Instagram, Facebook and your email for any weather updates.
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RipRoar Events is a Des Moines based event production company. We carefully choose events that are empowering and impactful on our community and strive to produce events at the absolute highest level.
Other events we produce include: EMC DAM to DSM, The Des Moines Turkey Trot, and RipRoar Kid’s Triathlon Series.
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JACKETS : Sizing for the 2026 10th Anniversary windbreaker can be found here. Jackets will have a longer, loose unisex fit.
TSHIRTS : The tshirts are a women’s style so will have a more form fitting cut. These are the same shirt for the past couple of year’s or if you have raced our DAM to DSM event they will have the same fit. Go with your usual Women’s Tee size.
TANKS : NEW ITEM FOR 2026 *This year’s tanks are made of the same fabric as our tshirts (or quarter zips). Size chart is available here.
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Dogs are not allowed on the race course unless previously verified as a service dog with RipRoar Race staff.
However, dogs are allowed at Jasper Winery.
registration questions
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We do not allow race transfers between people. If you’re no longer able to attend the event we suggest switching to our “virtual event” and claim your race swag.
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Please note that, for 2026, our half marathon is SOLD OUT. You will not be able to transfer from the 10K to the half marathon.
Of course! Use the steps listed below for “transferring event” to switch between distances.
For race week, all transfers must happen in person during packet pick up hours.
1. Go to www.runsignup.com and log in to your profile
2. Click “My Profile” in the top right corner of the screen
3. Find the ‘Des Moines Women’s Half’ from your “upcoming events” and click “manage registration.”
4. Along the top navigation bar choose “transfer event”
5. Click “start transfer” and complete the registration.
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If it’s race week - you will need to make the change in-person at packet pick up or make arrangements for shipping after the event, please email info@riproarevents.com.
If it is before race week, please follow the instructions below :
*Please Note - Any athlete who switches from in-person to virtual after April 26th is expected to pick up their race packet in-person during our race week packet pick up hours or at the post race packet pick up prior to race weekend.
1. Go to www.runsignup.com and log in to your profile
2. Click “My Profile” in the top right corner of the screen
3. Find the ‘Des Moines Women’s Half’ from your “upcoming events” and click “manage registration.”
4. Along the top navigation bar choose “transfer event”
5. Click “start transfer” and complete the registration.
THE RACES
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Everything is more fun as a team. We’ve split the half-marathon into 3 sections (about 4-5 miles each) so that you and your closest friends can conquer 13.1 miles without having to run each step yourself.
Athletes register as a team and then as members 1, 2 and 3.
The relay exchange zones have music, other team members to socialize with and each team goes home with the half marathon swag and 3 medals (one for each athlete).
Check out the Team Relay page for more race details.
*Please note : only all female teams are eligible to receive awards in the Team Relay category (even if emergency substitution is needed on race day.)
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We have a 1 hour and 20 minute cut-off for the 5k from the start of the race.
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Our cut-off time is 4 hours 30 minutes which roughly 20 minutes per mile.
Please Note: All half marathon athletes must be through mile 9.5 before 11:30 AM. If an athlete has not reached the 9.5-mile mark by this time, they will be re-rerouted back to the winery.
There are a number of women who choose to walk, so you'll be in good company! It's important that we keep that cut-off in place so we can re-open roads and continue to be good stewards of our community.
If you are worried about making a time cut off due to training we can switch your event to the 10K route (same day, same start time.) No Sweat!
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5K : Parking will be located on the south side of Jasper Winery. George Flagg Parkway (road north of Jasper) will be closed after 3:00 PM on Saturday. All traffic will need to enter Water Works Park from Fleur Dr. and follow the Event staff’s instructions.
Half Marathon + 10K + Team Relay : Parking is located at the Bell Avenue Business Center at 1901 Bell Ave, Des Moines. It is a 20-minute walk to the Finish Line at Jasper Winery. Shuttles will be available to take between both locations on race day starting at 6:30 a.m and last shuttle leaving Jasper at 12:25 p.m.
We recommend carpooling with Team Members.
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Yes! We will have a gear check for our Sunday races.
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Absolutely. The Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP) sets standards for training and sports settings that prevent abuse and misconduct.
MAAPP helps young athletes be safe, supported, and strengthened by limiting one-on-interactions, ensuring proper training, and increasing accountability.
To view USATF’s MAAP policies among USATF’s additional Safe Sport policies, click here.
To find the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s MAAPP one-pagers, trainings, and other resources, click here.
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You will be running on either clearly marked closed roads or trails for the entirety of each distance along with aid stations, course entertainment, and volunteers.
Aid stations are marked on the official course map.
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If you have questions about the race results, please contact our timing company, TrueTime Racing.
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Yes! We have pacers for the following finish times in the half marathon: 1:30/1:45/2:00/2:15/2:30/2:45
AWARDS
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Description text HALF MARATHON : Top 5 Women Overall + Top 3 Women of Age Groups
Top 5 Overall will receive a bottle of wine (must be 21+) + Award Wine glass.
Top 3 of Each Age Group will receive a bottle of Award Wine. Must be 21+
19 & Under (Will receive Award glass)
20 - 24
25 - 29
30 - 34
35 - 39
40 - 44
45 - 49
50 - 54
55 - 59
60 - 64
65 - 69
70 - 74
75 +
10K : Top 3 Women Overall (Bottle of Award Wine (must be 21+) + Top 3 Women of Age Groups (Award Winner Glass)
Top 3 of Each Age Group will receive an Award Winner glass
19 & Under
20 - 24
25 - 29
30 - 34
35 - 39
40 - 44
45 - 49
50 - 54
55 - 59
60 - 64
65 - 69
70 - 74
75 +
5K : Top 3 Women Overall (Bottle of Award Wine. Must be 21+) No Age Group Awards.
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TEAM RELAY : Top 3 Women Overall Teams (Bottle of Award Wine for all team members. Must be 21+) No Age Group Awards. Awards will not be given to co-ed teams.)
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Yes, there will be an award ceremony both days for Saturday and Sunday events. (Times are subject to change and will notify in-person over race announcements.)
Saturday 5K Award Ceremony : 6:00 PM
Sunday Half Marathon, 10K, Team Relay : 10:30 AM
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Overall awards and placings are based on gun time. Age group awards are based on net/chip time.
If you are gunning for an Overall Award be sure to line up in the front row or as close as possible.
PACKET PICK UP
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Saturday, May 2nd (5K Race Day) : 9:30 AM - 4:45 PM @ Jasper Winery (If racing Sunday, please try to beat the 5K traffic and pick up your packet before 3:00 PM)
Sunday, May 3RD (Race Day) : 6:30am - 7:30am @ Jasper Winery
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Have access to your confirmation email, or have it printed out and bring it with you. Please have your race waiver signed before picking up your packet.
If you are picking up for others be sure to have proof of their race registration + their race waiver MUST be signed.
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Yes! Have a screenshot of their confirmation email with QR code or a printed out copy of confirmation email. You will be asked to leave your name and phone number in the case of a mix up.
All race waivers MUST be signed in order to leave with any and all race packets. You can check the status of your race waiver by signing into your RunSignUp Profile.
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All of our classes are drop-in, EXCEPT for our spin classes. Please pre-register if you plan to participate in a spin class.
9:45 AM class: https://app.arketa.co/villagefitness/checkout/EBrIfyLRJTBvx2uXMFz6
12:00 PM class: https://app.arketa.co/villagefitness/checkout/ohpFVMoI8NaQ00JN2pvE
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
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Our volunteers make the world go ‘round! Volunteer shifts are available starting Saturday, May 2nd - Sunday, May 3rd. Must be the 12+ years old (some shifts may have age restrictions.) Hours are eligible for Silver Chord.
Check out Volunteer opportunities here.
SPECTATOR INFORMATION
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We encourage packing a blanket, ID, cash (if you have others with you that might be hungry and aren’t registered), phone—because you will definitely want to document the awesomeness your friends that foolishly chose to stay home miss out on, and layers—it’s Iowa.
The party will be held at Jasper Winery but there will be easy access to Gray’s Lake from the parking location at Bell Avenue Business Center by using shuttle buses.