Course Support

last updated Nov 25

THANK YOU for volunteering!

VERSION UPDATES

- Oct 17th 5pm - Adding Parkign and meet up spots
- Oct 16th 6pm - updated hotspots, 12pm DNF layout, radio channels
- Oct 3rd 9pm - Scott created sign-up form and sent to last year's volunteers to give them a few days head start and also updated some 2024 details.
- Oct 1st 9am - Participants are up 15% across the board and the marathon itself is up over 30%. Should have about 2,000 in the full and 3,500-4,000 in the half.

OUTSTANDING QUESTIONS

As of 10/17/24 5pm, all questions have been answered.

~~~

The bicycle course support team is a great time.

BIKEIOWA.com is again coordinating the Bicycle Course Support efforts for the IMT Des Moines Marathon on Sunday October 20th 2024.

This will be the 22nd year BIKEIOWA.com has provided Bicycle Course Support for the Des Moines Marathon. We were there for the first marathon in 2002! Our races have become internationally known for their awesome two-wheeled Course Support and it is YOU that makes the day super-cool for so many athletes! We've been lucky to have so many of YOU return each year!

2000 - Athletes in FULL Marathon
3500 - Athletes in HALF Marathon
800 - Athletes in 5k

Positions

We will cap the spots at again at around 60-65 this year. I try to give first shot to those who have volunteered in the past, but realize a position is NOT guaranteed. Sorry. The 'Lucky 65' will get kick-ass custom reflective long-sleeve T-shirt this year hot off the press from Ed and Jen Veak at T-shirt Graphix and Beaverdale Bicycles in Beaverdale. They do an awesome job on the design and they have printed all the BIKEIOWA gear for years now.

Race Day / Meeting Place

Sunday Oct 20th 2024

We will meet at 6:30 am and start the meeting at 6:45am SHARP. Please arrive on time!

The BIKEIOWA Course Support Headquarters will be: Singlespeed Brewery
We'll be out on their patio (West Side). They will NOT be open for business that early and there are no restrooms.
Google link: 303 Scott Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309

The BIKEIOWA van will be parked there so you can pick-up/return radios and supplies, etc.

Race Start Times

8:00 am - 3:00 pm IMT Full and Half Marathon starts at the same time. The 5K starts at 8:30am.

Parking

Park in the grass lot across the street from Singlespeed Brewery or park on the street nearby, but DO NOT PARK in Singlespeed's parking lot.
Grass Parking Lot Link Park as far from the house on the South end as possible.

Plan ahead - Many roads surrounding the IMT Des Moines Marathon route will be closed on race day.

For City of Des Moines road closures and traffic reroutes, click here.

Course Time Limit

The finish line is open for 7 hours in all race divisions, which allows for a 16:00 minute per mile pace in the Marathon.See below for DNF and cut off details.

Pre-Race Course Support Meeting

At 6:45am, we will start the Pre-Race Course Support meeting. There is LOTS to go over and this is extremely important for the first timers!

Scott will lead the Course Support meeting, discuss last minute updates, answer any questions, distribute medical supplies, shirts, radios and get signs on your bikes. Lastly a radio check will take place, and then we'll get a cool photo of all of us before we head to the starting line

You'll receive all the updates via emails, the Facebook Group and this Course Support Page. I will give updates on Sunday morning as we prepare, but the Facebook page will be the primary spot to update last minute items.

At 7:15 am we will head down to the starting line (2nd and Court area) where we will spread out until the race starts.Those going to the Split can go there early since the split is at mile 5.5 this year vs. mile 1.3 in previous years.

Be expected to get asked questions! Read up on the Marathon amenities, venue layout and know the Start/Finish line details AND the race course!

Links

Des Moines Marathon website
BIKEIOWA Course Support
Athlete Guide
Volunteering & Parking
Course Maps
- Venue - Start Line / Finish Line / Compound / Post-race party - still looking for this map!
- FULL: course map | course description | Ride with GPS Route | Detailed turn-by-turn
- HALF: course map | course description - Ride with GPS Route | Detailed turn-by-turn
- RELAY: course map | course description - Ride with GPS Route | Detailed turn-by-turn
- 5k Road Race: course map | course description
Water Stations layout and details

2024 CHANGES!!!

There are MAJOR Course Changes! - Read through the hotspots section and review the maps, GPX files and turn-by-turn details (see links section for all these!)
All Medical Stations are MOBILE. None are stationary for 2024 and none are listed on the maps.
The RideWithGPS Files are the most accurate. See route links below.
Road Closures - most road closures end at noon with the exception of the Finish Line streets.
New meeting spot - Singlespeed Brewery
NO 1st aid/candy/kleenex supplies supplied by the Marathon
Radio reduction!!! - We get 10 radios for both races vs. 40-50 in previous years. Cell Phones will be key this year.
Mile 5.5 is the new split - we'll still send some Course Support to the split, but not as many as previous years.
The Full Marathon leaders will catch the Half back-of-the packers here: BEST GUESS IS around 9:20am to 9:25 am - MILE 7 of HALF and MILE 17 of FULL somewhere on the Bill Riley Trail before the bridge into Water Works Park!! not ideal. Be VOCAL here!
The Half Marathon leaders will catch the 5K back-of-the packers here: BEST GUESS IS right before the Finish Line near East 2nd and Court at 9:00am - 9:10am. No issues with course support here.
South of Grand - this section has been completely removed.
NEW! Full Only - Route goes into Valley Junction (WDM) via Grand from mile 13.5 to mile 16 when they get back on the trail (behind the Sands Volleyball)
This puts a big strain on cars in Valley Junction as there is pretty much no way in or out without crossing the course. Athletes will spread out by this time and not sure what the police presence will be.
NEW! Both Races - After the Fleur tunnel, you take a RIGHT...
NEW! Both Races - Out and Back East side of Gray's Lake (trail out and road back)
NEW! Hard 12pm (NOON( cut off for slow athletes at 63rd and Grand (more details below)
Volunteer Post Race Food and Drink - Pizza and beer will be served at the end at Cowles Commons. They want us there this year. Volunteers there will (supposedly) know to look out for us in our shirts.
If we end up parking near Singlespeed Brewery, this will be our post-race hang-out spot after Cowles Commons.

YOUR Pre-Race TO-DO list

Know the course !! Do NOT rely on other Course Support or athletes to know it.
Familiarize yourself with the
- Start Line
- 1st Aid Stations
- Water Stations
- Medical Plan
- Mile Markers
- Restrooms
- Hot Spots
- Finish Line
Print out any course descriptions, starting line maps, etc. that you'll think you may need (course maps will be provided) - link below. or save to your phone for quick access.
Make sure your Bike is in TIP-TOP shape and you have the tools, tubes, etc. needed to fix it.
Bring enough food and water for YOU! no bonking allowed ;)
Have this link handy https://www.bikeiowa.com/CourseSupport (Tip - add it to your home screen on your phone)

Bib Colors

Full - Red/White, I-35 Challenge - Black/Dark Blue
Half - Black/White
Relay - White/Blue
5k - Light Blue/Black (looks similar to I-35 Challenge)

Hotspots

Please pay particular attention to these locations on the courses.

10/16/24 6pm- 2024 Hotspot details have been updated!

Mile 0 Both - New start direction - going WEST on Court and taking first right on 5th street, then right on Locust.
Mike 0 to 5.5 - Both courses are identical
Mile 5.5 Half - the Half Marathon split from the Full with a left turn on 45th St (To Greenwood Park to Bill Riley Trail)
Mile 5.5 Both - Make sure athletes go left (Half) and right (Full)
Mile 8.8 Full - The Drake Stadium (DO NOT ride your bicycle on the track)
Mile 6.1 Half - Bill Riley trailhead - 45th street by Ashworth Pool - athletes enter trail (very narrow)
Mile 13.5 Full - Cross 63rd Street - also 12pm DNF spot. DNF's will have to cross Westbound traffic near Either/Or.
Mile 13.5 to 13.8 Full - LOTS of businesses here. Plus 1st time race has come through here - Athletes take a LEFT on 5th St. Watch from all directions!
Mile 13.8 to 14.7 Full - Seven new intersections and LOTS of homes/driveways here. Plus1st time race has come through here - Watch from all directions!
Mile 14.7 Full - Take Left on Railroad Ave.
Mile 14.7 to 15 Full - Eight new intersections and LOTS of businesses/homes/driveways here. Plus1st time race has come through here - Watch from all directions!
Mile 15 Full - Cross 63rd St. again and take horseshoe trail to Walnut Creek Trail
Mile 16 Full - Enter Walnut Creek trail East of Sands Volleyball Complex (very narrow)
Mile 6.5/16.9 Both - Races Merge - Full comes off Walnut Creek Trail to Bill Riley Trail. The Half will already be on Bill Riley Trail - Full stay to right, Half stay to left.
Mile 7.8/18.2 Both - Exiting Greenwood Park into WaterWorks Park - White Bridge (for Full) - bottleneck (always confusion here getting Full athletes to turn right) - This is also where the Half and Full merge. - ALL cyclists be very vocal here.
Mile 7.8/18.2 Both - Water Stations near on Waterworks Park Road near White Bridge (gets very congested! - at least no two-way traffic this year)
Mile 8.8/21.8 Both - Right Hand Turn near Lauridsen Amphitheater. Follow main (curvy) Trail near RAGBRAI Founder's statue to Fluer Tunnel
Mile 9/22 Both - Take a RIGHT after Fleur Tunnel on to Kruidenier Trail (Gray's Lake)
Mile 10/23 Both - out on Kruidenier Trail and back on Gray's Lake Park Road for a total of 1/2 mile, then back to Meredith Trail (across from Confluence Brewery)
Mile 11.3/24.3 Both - Hard left onto Jackson Ave (Green) Bridge
Mile 12.5/25.5 Both - out and back on SE 1st Bridge (fishing bridge) by Singlespeed Brewery
Mile 13.1/26.5 Both - Finish Line - DO NOT Ride your bike down the finish line chute. Cyclists STOP at Court and Water Street!

Updates

Check out the Facebook Group for last minute updates.
Email will be sent for all attachments
Email will sent if breaking news.
All updates during race day will be given at out pre-race meeting and over the radios during the races.

Duties

The BIKEIOWA Bike Team has been providing Course Support for the Des Moines Marathon since 2002. The Des Moines Marathon has by far the best Bicycle Course Support on the planet! We have become an integral part of the marathon. We not only provide basic first aid, but act as course security, information guides, etc. We are the only ones who ride among the athletes throughout the entire race. We ride in "packs" to ensure we are with the same groups of athletes and can quickly notice if someone is having a problem or needs assistance.

2024 Focus - we will focus more on actual Course Support than tending to athletes for medical, kleenex and candy. Focus on course flow, turns, motorists, intersections, debris, spectators on-course, etc.
NOTE: the trails are NOT closed off for this event, so expect more trail traffic than normal. We won't ask folks to leave the trails, but we will still ensure safety of the athletes (dogs, leashes, kids, walking 2-3 abreast, etc.)

Bike Handling Skills - It is expected that you can handle your bicycle in a crowd. don't get too close to athletes, don't stop abruptly, don't swerve across the race course. Athletes can stop on a dime, swerve across the course, or run into your path so be prepared!

We have been very lucky NOT to have any serious injuries under our watch. Let's keep it this way.

KUDOS to you for volunteering!

YOUR Race Morning TO-DO list

Check In
Pick up Bicycle Course Support Shirt
Pick up Course Support Position List
Pick up Course Map
Pick up Course Support Sign and pipe-cleaners.
Attach Course Support sign to FRONT of bicycle
Pick up first aid supplies - None provided for 2024
Listen to Scott's last minute updates
Ask any questions.
Meet your section captain and others in your group and the group behind and in front of you
Radio check
Turn ON taillights & headlights - Keep your blinkie on a low steady-mode and not blinking

What We Do

We focus our attention to making sure everyone knows the course, stays on-course and knows where the amenities like restrooms, first-aid stations and mile-markers are.

We aid the athletes through the course.
We are a mobile information booths and answer any questions athletes or spectators may have regarding the course, mile markers, restrooms, food, baggage claim, lost & found, road openings/closures, etc.
We are there to help police the course (crowd and automobile control)
We make sure corners are open and free of spectators and debris
We make sure the course is accurately marked and will direct athletes as needed to make sure they follow the course.
We watch the race bib numbers to ensure athletes are on the correct race course - AND make sure each athlete has a bib number.
We provide emotional support and encouragement.
We are the first-responders in case of an emergency.
We use the buddy system to aid athletes as needed.
We keep an eye on the athletes throughout the race. You'll be pretty much with the same pace groups all day. It's pretty easy to see someone with issues after you've been riding near them for hours.
We keep non-registered athletes and non-official bike support off the race course.
We aid the injured athletes and those in distress.
We ensure there is no one else on the course other than the athletes and race volunteers (more relaxed for 2024 since more trails and the trails are not closed off to the public)
We stop traffic from entering the course.
We help motorists cross the race course and/or help them find a safe route around the course.
We work with race headquarters and alert them of any emergencies, athlete locations, etc.
READ THESE Illinois runner wins marathon after bicyclist mistakenly takes race leaders off course and this Race mistakes lead to Maine Marathon course record, three disqualifications. We do NOT want to be in the headlines for not knowing the course.

MID-RACE DNF CUT-OFF - New for 2024!

HALF - Has no mid-race cut off time/point.
FULL - 12pm cut off at 63rd and Grand (SE Corner - Near Either/Or Restaurant before Grand Ave) - This is 13.5 miles into the course.
Any athlete crossing this point after 12pm will be considered a DNF.
Any athlete crossing this point after 12pm will have 3 choices:
1 - get sagged back to finish area (the option we want).
2 - option to continue and walk on the sidewalk and trails (an OK option).
3 - get sagged up a few miles (the option that will cause us the most confusion later in the race).
DNF ?Athlete may have to cross eastbound traffic ?? (unsure by maps if that stretch is closed)
DNF Athlete may have to wait for a sag depending on the number of DNFs.
All DNF athletes continuing will be instructed by a Marathon Official that they are a DNF and support will not be continued for them if they continue.
Water Stations will NOT account for DNF athletes past the official shut down time.
Course Marshals and traffic control will NOT account for DNF athletes past the official shut down time.
Course markings and directional signage will be removed according to 7 hour timeline.
Bike Support will NOT account for DNF athletes past the official shut down time.
Bike Support will continue supporting those who meet the 12pm cut-off.
If a DNF Athlete gets "time-traveled" and they fall behind the official time again, we won't really know if they are a DNF athlete unless we ask them (Jake did not have a solution for this)

What We Don't Do

Pace athletes
Give preferential treatment to athletes (especially the elites in it for the prize money! Let them get their own water, etc.)

What Do I Do After I Get To The Finish Line?

You are free to leave after your portion of the race ends. We know this is a long day of volunteering. It is understandable that some people have other commitments. PLEASE make sure you return all items like radios and supplies back to the BIKEIOWA van.

Want To Volunteer More?

If you can stay after your shift, that would be GREAT! The course is officially open until 3:00 pm, but the Bike Support Team has always stayed to see the last athlete come across the Finish Line (4-6pm)! If you can continue to help, please ride the course backwards and help those in the back of the pack (especially the Meredith Trail, Gray's Lake and Water Works park areas). This is the area that the athletes need the most assistance and cheering.

Questions

Call or email. If I don’t answer leave a message and I will return your call asap. Scott's cell phone number will be on the master course support list as will the Race HQ cell phone number.

Biker@BIKEIOWA.com

What To Bring

BIKEIOWA and/or the Marathon will provide some supplies on Race Day. There are some optional supplies that YOU can bring to make your role more fun.

Supplies Provided

Master Course Support List (phone numbers, positions, etc.)
Color maps for you at the on race day. (Full, Half)
Radios - Sections Captains will receive for race day communication (We will have a sign-up sheet for the radios)
A cool Bicycle Course Support Shirt - MUST be worn on the OUTSIDE of all other clothing regardless of weather
Bike Support sign for the front of your bike
Pipe cleaners to attach the signage to your bike

Required Supplies YOU Need To Bring

Bike - make sure it is road-worthy. We are there to support the athletes, not our own course support! Upright bikes are preferred as they are easy to maneuver. No Trailers. No E-Bikes.
Cell Phone - make sure it is charged and ensure it will last for your entire volunteer period. - bringing a cache battery is recommended!
Warm clothes - remember the course support shirt needs to be the outer layer at all times. Layering is key!
A spare tube and the tools needed to fix a flat (We always seem to have a flat along the course somewhere.)
Bike helmet (required).
Back-pack, handlebar bag, pannier(s), etc. (some way to carry supplies/maps/documents on your bicycle).
Pen and Paper (in case you need to take down an athlete's name, number etc. or use your phone).
Food/Snacks/Water for YOU. It is a long day out there!
Make sure you have easy access to your Course map (for athlete questions) - some attach the map to their handlebars.
Print of any of these support pages that you think you may need OR save BIKEIOWA/CourseSupport as a favorite on your phone.
Display 'Course Support' sign on FRONT of bike (sign and pipe-cleaners provided).
Rear blinkie for your bike! Leave them on the whole race (steady mode - not blinking).
Headlight - It will be dark in the morning. Leave on for as long as possible.

Optional that YOU can bring

Kleenex - affix it to you bike where the athletes can get at it.
Ibuprofen - (Advil, Tylenol, etc.)
1st aid supplies (band aids, mole skin, etc.)
Candy - Gummy bears/worms, Twizzlers, Hard candy, etc. (you never know when you may have to help a distressed athlete. We've learned that a little candy goes a long way for an athlete's morale)
Small water bottles, soda, gatorades
Small jar or tube of Vaseline (for chafing) - racers will dip their fingers in and grab what they need

Emergency

Please be prepared and know what to do in case of an emergency.

The Communication Plan is the same as last year. YOU will most likely be the first responder. Know what to do and whom to contact in the chain of command.

General Tips

Work in pairs - if an athlete cannot get to a water or medical station, one course support should stay with the athlete while another rides to the water or medical station.
Medical Stations - 4 along the FULL course and 4 along the HALF course. (TBD !!)
Water Stations - one every 1.5 miles along the course.
EMS personnel will be at each medical station.
Sag wagons (2) will be dispatched - to water and aid stations first. Plus new for 2024 - the DNF cut-off at 63rd and Grand.
Athletes who are unable to make it to an aid station but are able to wait for a sag wagon will be picked up and returned to the start/finish area.
DSM Fire will provide a Gator with paramedic for the Water Works Park Trails and Meredith Trail.
Radio Channels
- Channel 1 - Venue
- Channel 2 - Course (The ONLY channel we should use!)
- Channel 3 - Medical

First Timer

First of all, we appreciate your time to volunteer for the Des Moines Marathon! You'll have a great time as part of the BIKEIOWA Bicycle Course Support Crew!

TIPS -- Same plan as we had in 2024

Show up early!
Plan ahead for road closures to get downtown!
Do NOT park on the race route!
This is a long day. Plan accordingly for YOUR own food and water intake.
Read and know the Marathon information on the www.DesMoinesMarathon.com
Race Handouts will be given out on RACE DAY to include maps, Course Support positions and cell phone numbers for all.
Have your Bike in Tip-top shape! Chain lubed, tires inflated, spare tube, tools, etc.
Course Support Shirts must be worn as your outer-most layer on race day!
Dress appropriately - it is cold in the early morning hours and warms up in the late morning. Bring plenty of warm clothing and dress in layers. You will be outside all day.
Bring a fanny pack, backpack, bike bag or pannier large enough to hold medical supplies and your gear.
Bicycle helmets are required!
Pre-ride the course before race day if time allows. Either way, know the course and the turns well.
Make sure you stay to the outside of the turns as not to get in the athletes way as they take the inside corner.
Stay Upbeat! Cheer the athletes as you ride with them. Pour on the emotional support and encouragement
A Twizzler goes a long way late in the race!
Do not ride too close to the athletes! They can stop in an instant!
No alcohol on the course - there is plenty of time to have fun afterwards.
No music on bicycles allowed. Not everyone wants to listen to your music.
No E-Bikes - we are 100% human-powered.
Know where your position is, and who your section captain is, and the groups in front and in back of you.
Pay attention to the Pacers and know where your group is supposed to be.
Work with the other Bike Course Support Groups in front and behind you.
Work with stationary Course Marshals as needed to control traffic, etc.
Talk with those who have done it before. Most of the Course Support have done it for a few years now.
Know the bib colors and which race goes with which color.

Communication Plan

-- NEW for 2024 !! --

The firehouse at 15th & Mulberry will be the Headquarters this year, and they will dispatch ambulances, sag wagons and make emergency decisions.

Here is our general emergency communication channels:

Contact your Course Support Captain or Section peers for minor issues
Channel 2 (Course) - All communication goes though this channel (course/athlete/medical issues). We are NOT to use Channel 3.
Race HQ Cell Phone (This will be on the course position sheets that will be shared on race morning)
Call 911 if an emergency and you cannot get through to Race HQ. Contacting Race HQ will be a faster response time than 911, since they have Fire and Police in same room.

Life Or Death

-- NEW for 2024 !! --

See communication plan above.
If you have a radio, use Channel 2, No radio, call the Command Cell Phone - If you get a voicemail - TEXT "EMERGENCY" and Command will call you back ASAP.

Medical Emergency - Non-Life Threatening

-- NEW for 2024 !! --

All Medical Stations are MOBILE.
Administer first aid if needed. Over your head? - Use your buddy, use the radio, etc. to get the appropriate treatment
If Athlete needs a band-aid, ice compress, etc. - Call it in, and find out where the nearest Mobile Medical Station is.
Get the athlete to a water station if they are dropping out.
Use the stationary Course Marshals and/or police officers along the course to help if needed.
Educate athletes to try and make it to a water station and await sag wagon vehicle to be picked up and returned to the start/finish located near Cowles Commons. They'll get picked up much quicker.

Dropouts

-- Same plan as 2024 --

If an athlete decided to drop out of the race, they MUST tell you.
Write down the athlete's bib number, race, gender and general location where they dropped out.
Call or Text Race HQ with the details so the athlete can be marked as DNF (Did Not Finish) so they won't be looking for that athlete on the course.
Instruct the athlete to go to the nearest water station or medical tent for a sag pick-up back to the finish area.
If they cannot make to the nearest water station or medical tent, we can call SAG Support through Race HQ via radio or cell.
Do NOT take their timing chip (It's attached to their number plate).

POST RACE

Bike Support HQ will be at Singlespeed Brewery where we met in the morning. Once you have completed your course, you are done. THANK YOU for volunteering! If you are done and still want to help, feel free to ride the course backwards through, the last few miles, Grays Lake and Water Works Park. These are the areas the athletes need the most support. Any cheering helps too!

Look for the BIKEIOWA Gray Van
Return unused 1st aid supplies.
Return Radio and any extra batteries, mics, etc. at the BIKEIOWA Adventure van (I MUST return ALL radios on Monday morning!)
Stay around and hang out near the Marathon finish line area or at our HQ. It is fun and interesting to talk with the athletes afterwards.
If you want, keep your Course Support Shirts on. There are many athletes that will thank you and it sparks discussion.
If you are "Off the Clock", please take off your Course Support shirts.
Pizza, beer and live music are available at the Finish Line for us. Wear your volunteer shirt so they know who you are.
Post party closes at 3pm (Scott is confirming this time as that is the same time the course officially closes and a good chunk of us will still be on course)

History

The BIKEIOWA Bike Team has been providing Course Support since 2002 (day one) for the Des Moines Marathon. The Des Moines Marathon has by far the best Bicycle Course Support on the planet! We have become an integral part of the marathon operations.