Red Bull Soapbox Race Cruises Into Des Moines

Red Bull Soapbox Race will bring the world’s wildest downhill race, in which amateur teams see who can navigate their homemade cart the fastest through a downhill course filled with obstacles and potential crashes, to Des Moines on June 18 for the first time.

Since the first race in Brussels in 2000, over 100 Red Bull Soapbox events have been held in places such as Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Sydney. Teams are judged on a criteria of one-third speed, one-third creativity and one-third showmanship. Red Bull Soapbox Race is also partnering with Hy-Vee and Casey’s, two of Iowa’s hometown businesses, to add local flavor to the event.

The course will run the length of East Walnut Street, alongside the State Capitol Complex.

“We are eager to show off the great city of Des Moines and our beautiful downtown to the thousands of people coming to either race or spectate,” said Greg Edwards, chief executive officer and president of Catch Des Moines. “The Iowa State Capitol building is the perfect race spot as it is an iconic part of Des Moines and the state of Iowa. And as racers go down the hill there, they will take in the views of the East Village and downtown. Not to mention, the 25,000 in attendance at our famous downtown farmers’ market will get a great view of the Red Bull Soapbox Race as well.”