IMT Des Moines Marathon takes over the city

DES MOINES, Iowa —

Thousands of runners braved the chilly fall weather for the 24th annual IMT Des Moines Marathon. Despite the drop in temperature, the athletes remained unfazed as they prepared for the long run ahead.

"Last year, we got cooked. It was hot, I mean like 84 degrees coming through Valley Junction, and that was hot," said runner Kevin Cooper, reflecting on his runs from previous years.

Cooper, along with other runners, arrived early in the morning at Fourth Street and Court Avenue before the street got packed.

By 8 a.m. sharp, they took off. Athletes hit the ground running, weaving through the streets of Des Moines. The route goes through the city, passing by scenic spots like the East Village, Western Gateway Park and Water Works Park.

Along the route, family and friend