Contrary to a previous announcement, the 4th annual Des Moines Marathon will take place on Sunday, September 18, 2005. The marathon and half marathon have already attracted national attention as one of the fastest growing marathons in the United States.

IMT Insurance, located in West Des Moines, Iowa has stepped forward as the title sponsor and is proud to take the financial lead in support of the 2005 Des Moines IMT Marathon.

WOI TV has also joined as official media sponsor for the 2005 event.

A committee of volunteers organizes the Des Moines Marathon each year. The committee has been recently restructured to strengthen the future of the marathon. Chris Burch has been named as Executive Director of the event. ,,Race Director, Helene Neville, has brought her vision of a 26.2 mile race to our city and has turned it into an event that everyone can enjoy and be proud of. Our next step is to solidify this race as a mainstay in the downtown area.

The Des Moines Marathon has been met with an overwhelming response from individuals, businesses and civic leaders who realize the importance of keeping an event like this in Des Moines. We have such a wonderful community and the marathon is an excellent way to showcase our city to the world.o/oo

The 2004 Des Moines Marathon welcomed 3,500 registered runners in the full and half marathon. Runners came to Des Moines, Iowa from 47 states, 6 countries and 4 provinces in Canada. The average growth rate for marathons in the United States is 10%. The Des Moines Marathon boasts a 38% growth rate. In three short years, the marathon has generated $1.3 million in economic impact for the Des Moines area.

For 2005 Des Moines Marathon event information, visit www.desmoinesmarathon.com.