The first edition of the event, held June 17, 2007, featured the largest prize in triathlon history, at $200,000 each for the men's and women's elite winners through organizer and presenting sponsor Hy-Vee, a regional grocer.
The 2008 edition, held June 22, served as the final United States qualifier for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.
The race will have the largest prize purse in triathlon, with $1 million total being paid out and $151,500 going to the men and women's winners.
[8] The race was moved from June to Labor Day weekend and returned downtown after three years in West Des Moines.
[11] Beginning in 2017, IMG and Premier Event Management, announced that the Des Moines Triathlon is now a part of the Escape Series.