The Equalizer
Des Moines, United States • 31 Oct 2026
The Equalizer 6, 12 & 24 Hour Run
The Equalizer is a timed endurance event held at Gray's Lake Park on Fleur Drive in Des Moines, IA. The event offers three timed race options where participants run repeated laps of a certified loop and accumulate as much distance as they can within the chosen time.
The course is an essentially flat, 1.905 mile loop on a lighted asphalt path circling Gray's Lake with views of downtown. The course is USATF certified (IA02004-MF). Laps and distances are counted by race personnel.
Event options:
- 6 Hour: run as many miles as possible in six hours; laps counted.
- 12 Hour: run as many miles as possible in twelve hours; laps counted.
- 24 Hour: run as many miles as possible in twenty four hours; laps counted.
One aid station will offer water, soda, fruit, cookies, and soup for the 12 and 24 hour events. Volunteers staff the aid station. Indoor toilets are available; showers are not. Space is available for tents, but camping the Friday night before is not permitted. Participants are advised not to rely solely on the aid station for supplies.
Awards and shirts are provided to timely registrants who attend. Overall awards are based on actual distance plus an age and sex equalizer; awards are given to the top ten places in each event. One award recognizes the longest actual distance in each event. The award ceremony follows race completion.
Registration fees apply for each event during the posted registration period. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.