Course Support

last updated Oct 16

THANK YOU for volunteering!

- Update Oct 12th 8pm - added meeting spot and other minor updates

- Update Oct 11th 4pm - 2023 Hotspots updated!

- Update Oct 3rd 10am - Scott is updating some of the info from 2022 to 2023

- 2023 information will be updated soon! The new race director and myself are finalizing all the details. Race Day is OPct 15th DesMoinesMarathon.com (updated Oct 2nd 4:59pm)

- 2022 Information has been updated as of Mon, October 10th at 4:30pm

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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 15th 2023.

This will be the 21st 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!

Over 6,000 athletes registered and more to come with the Twin Cities Marathon getting cancelled last week for heat-related reasons.

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 15th 2023

We will meet at 6:30 am SHARP. Please arrive on time!

The BIKEIOWA Course Support Headquarters will be:

West Lot at Principal Park

1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309
Google link: https://shorturl.at/enP03

You can park there for the day.

Do NOT park in the North lot else you might be towed.

The BIKEIOWA van will be parked there so you can pick-up/return radios and medical 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

See above!

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. Athletes unable to maintain a 16:00 minute per mile pace will not be removed from the course by a race official. However, you must understand that volunteer services may not still be in place. First aid stations and sag wagons, along with the Bike Iowa Bike Support team, will remain on the course until every athlete crosses the finish line.

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 1.3 this year vs. mile 2.7 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!

2023 CHANGES!!!

There are Course Changes! - Read through the hotspots section and review the maps, GPX files and turn-by-turn details (see links section for all these!)
The printed maps do NOT show all the little bump-outs and out-and-backs this year. The RideWithGPS Files are the most accurate.
New Venue Location - Cowles Commons - See this Venue map
New meeting spot. - Read above!!
New ending spot. - Read above!!
New Start and Finish Line! NOTE: the race starts to the WEST vs. the EAST this year. There is a whole downtown section that is no longer part of the courses.
Water Stations - Water Stations are now every 1.5 miles vs. every 1 mile.
Medical Stations - see maps for new medical station locations.
DMPD will lead FULL marathon using an electric motorcycle. (So 1.3 miles with everyone, then the races split)
WE will be lead for HALF marathon on the parts of the course where the HALF is on its own.
No lead/tail tracking devices this year.
Very Little medical supplies provided this year (some vaseline packets, bandaids, chafing-packet, lotion, latex gloves, zip-lock bags and some twizzlers)
No HAM Radio operators at the water stations year.
More mobile Medical golf carts on course.
Radio reduction - We get 20-25 radios vs. 40-50 in previous years.
Radio channel reduction - we'll be on the "Course Channel" - the same channel with everyone working parts of the course.
Bike support will be LEAD on any of the trails and parks roads. (DMPD should be there too on electric motorcycle)
Our Lead-out group will be ultra-important this year! - Your job is like the Secret Service before the President comes to town.
Make sure everything is right. You should remain far enough ahead of the leaders and the police so you can make changes, etc. before the lead athletes come through.
If DMPD isn't going fast enough or not allowing enough space between the leaders, speak up.
DMPD will lead the 5K along with Brent's Bike Support Crew (unsure if police car or motorcycle).
HALF - From Fleur, You'll enter Waterworks Park on the road, then take and quick right up near the fountain for a little bump-out before returning to the Waterworks Park Road.
The Half Marathon leaders will catch the 5K back-of-the packers on the Meredith Trail this year vs. MLK. Be Vocal!
NEW! Both Races - After the Fleur tunnel, you take a LEFT...
NEW! Both Races - Out and Back after Gray's Lake (From Connector Trail, take a LEFT (West) on Meredith Trail, so approx 300 feet, then make U-turn on the trail and then head back East towards Mullets.
It is late in the races, but still could get sketchy with other bike and ped trail traffic. Just be aware here!
Barriers will be removed by Mullets Sunday morning
Volunteer Post Race Food and Drink - Pizza and beer will be served at the end at Cowles Commons. Volunteers there will (supposedly) know to look out for us in our shirts. Only take minimal food/drink, then once athletes are through, we can have more.

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
Half - Black
Relay - White
5k - Blue
Legacy - (NEW for 2023!) - Gold/Black fade (for athletes who have done the DSM Marathon 10 years). Only 4 athletes signed up so far. Only applies to FULL Marathon. Watch it as the colors look similar to the Half Marathon's black bib color.

Hotspots

Please pay particular attention to these locations on the courses.

10-11-23 4:00 pm - 2023 Hotspot details have been updated!

Mile 0 Both - New start direction - going WEST on Court and taking first right on 5th street, then left on Grand.
Mile 1.3 Both - Where the Full & Half Marathon split off near Grand Ave and 18th Street - making sure athletes go left (Half) and right (Full)
Mile 2.2 Half - from Fluer, take the normal right into Waterworks Park, then (NEW for 2023!) take next right (North) for a small loop on park near the Denman Memorial Fountain, the right back on the Waterworks park road
Mile 2.7/8.9/22.2 Both - Two way traffic near turn for Parking Lot near Lauridsen Amphitheater
Mile 3.5 Full - South of Grand - New Left Turn from SW 42nd St onto Welker, then Right on Lincoln Pl Dr then Left on SW 42nd then back on SW 42nd St (rest of S. of Grand is the same)
Mile 7.5 Full - Harwood Drive Loop - two-way traffic
Mile 11 Full - The Drake Stadium (DO NOT ride your bicycle on the track)
Mile 14 Full - No more Harwood Drive turn - keep going on Polk Blvd
Mile 15.2 Full - Bill Riley trailhead - 45th street by Ashworth Pool - athletes enter trail (very narrow)
Mile 8/17 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 5.2/18.5 Both - New for 2023 - Using back loop of Waterworks Park!
Mile 8/17/21.2 - Water Stations near on Waterworks Park Road near white bridge (gets very congested!)
Mile 8.9/22.2 Both - Hard Right Hand Turn thru Parking Lot near Lauridsen Amphitheater, then under Fleur Tunnel (some maps and gpx files show route trail which is incorrect - Both races go through the parking lot.
Mile 9/22.4 Both - Left turn after Janis Ruan tunnel under Fleur into Gray's Lake - Note!! we have went Right in previous years!! There is supposed to be additional signage there this year.
Mile 9.1/22.7 Both - After left after Tunnel, cross Grays Lake Park Road and take a Right onto Kruidenier Trail (NOTE! - the trail is NOT closed, so there could be Bike & Ped Traffic from the West - or also the East!)
Mile 10.8/24.1 Both - !-IMPORTANT-! - After circling Grays Lake and taking a left on the Connector trail, you will take a RIGHT (WEST) onto the Meredith Trail and then will make a U-TURN 329 feet later and come back to the East along the Meredith Trail toward Confluence Brewing. This might be the most important hotspot this year!! #1 - the trail is NOT closed. #2 EVERYONE on the Half and Full must make a U-TURN on the trail and #3 - there will be two-way traffic on the trail for BOTH races for that 329 foot section. This area will be coned off (short shin-level cones) and they "might" be a stationary course marshal. This will be an area WE might take over to ensure athletes make the turns correctly AND making sure other trail traffic doesn't cause any issues.
Mile 12.5/26 Both - The Left onto the Ped Bridge by Mullets - The concrete barriers will be moved Sun at 7am. There will be a water station at this corner. The trail nor the bridge is closed off from the public, and the trail users coming from the Carl Voss Trail (West) might be coming through as well as Bike and Ped traffic from the bridge. This is late in both races, so hopefully it won't be too congested.
Mile 12.5/26 Both - un-even surfaces getting on/off and on the Ped Bridge by Mullets - watch for twisted ankles here
Mile 12.7/26.1 Both - After Ped Bridge, slight right onto the Meredith Trail to Court Ave, then take a left
Mile 10-13 Half - Fast Half athletes will catch the slower 5k athletes ON the Meredith Trail. Many will have earbuds on and walking 3-4 wide on the trail. Be as vocal as you can here! Ride up and back making everyone aware there are race leaders coming through. In past years, the "catch" happened on MLK (a much wider street)
Mile 13.2/26.7 Both - Finish Line - DO NOT Ride your bike down the finish line chute. Cyclists STOP at Court and 2nd Ave!

Updates

Check out the Facebook Group for last minute updates.
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.

2023 Focus - we will focus more on actual Course Support than tending to athletes with 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 (limited for 2023)
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 sound check
Turn ON blinkies & headlights
Lead and Sweep folks - get tracker from start area (we will assign 4 support people)

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 stop and 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 2023 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 the ham radio operators and race headquarters and alert them of any emergencies, athlete locations, etc.
We carry tracking devices on the lead and tail end of the races so race control knows where the beginning and end of the races are
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.

What We Don't Do

Pace athletes
Give preferential treatment to athletes (especially the elites! 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.

Links

Des Moines Marathon website
BIKEIOWA Course Support
Athlete Guide
Volunteering & Parking
Course Maps
- Venue - Start Line / Finish Line / Compound / Post-race party (PowerPoint link - Works best in MS Edge - slow to load on phone)
- FULL: course map | course description | GPX FILE | Detailed turn-by-turn photos and descriptions - (PowerPoint link - Works best in MS Edge - slow to load on phone)
- HALF: course map | course description - GPX FILE | Detailed turn-by-turn photos and descriptions - (PowerPoint link - Works best in MS Edge - slow to load on phone)
- RELAY: course map | course description - GPX FILE | Detailed turn-by-turn photos and descriptions - (PowerPoint link - Works best in MS Edge - slow to load on phone)
- 5k Road Race: course map | course description
Water Stations layout and details - (PowerPoint link - Works best in MS Edge - slow to load on phone)
Spectator Guide

Questions

Call or email. If I don’t answer leave a message and I will return your call asap. My phone number will be on the master course support list.

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
Bio Freeze- limited quantities
Anti-chafing packet - limited quantities
Band-aids - limited quantities
Vaseline packets - very limited quantities
Disposable latex gloves
Zip-lock bags
Candy - Scott has 5lb tub of Twizzlers - toss some in a zip-lock bag
Kleenex - very limited quantities
First aid supplies - very very limited quantities

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.
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.
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 (more 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.
Water Stations - one every 1.5 miles along the course.
EMS personnel will be at each medical station.
Sag wagons (3) will be dispatched - to water and aid stations first. (number of sags not confirmed for 2023!)
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.
Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ham radios) will provide communications at each water/aid stations and the command post
Radio Channels (Radio Channels NOT FINAL YET! - I'll confirm on race morning)
- Channel ? - Venue
- Channel ? - Course
- Channel ? - 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 2022 --

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. 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.
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

Same plan as 2022 --

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
Ham Radio operators - Every water and medical station has one
Channel ? (Medical)

Life Or Death

Channel ?TBD? - call in emergency. Should be a faster dispatch time than 911
Call 911 on your cell phone

Medical Emergency - Non-Life Threatening

-- Same plan as 2022 --

Know where the Medical Stations are located, especially with the lack of 1st aid supplies this year.
Administer first aid if needed. Over your head? - Use your buddy, use the radio, etc. to get the appropriate treatment
Get the athlete to a water or medical station.
Use the stationary Course Marshals along the course.
Educate athletes to try and make it to an aid 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 2022 --

If an athlete decided to drop out of the run, they MUST tell you.
Write down the athlete's bib number, race, gender and general location where they dropped out.
Give your Course Support Captain the list 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 the ham radio operators (Channel ?TBD? on the radio) If you don't have a radio, find/call your Section Captain.
Do NOT take their timing chip. It is their responsibility to return it to the finish line.
If they are not going back to the finish line, remind them that they need to return their timing chip.

POST RACE

Bike Support HQ will be at Principal Park 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!

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.
A slice of pizza and a beer are available at the Finish Line for us. Once the athletes are done, we can have more beer/pizza. You must wear your volunteer shirt so they know who you are.

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.