Iowa’s greatest running tradition will return as the kickoff to summer when runners will take on the point-to-point journey from the Saylorville Dam to Downtown Des Moines. With buses to the starting line, cold beer at the finish, and some of the most memorable rural and urban miles in the …
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Iowa’s greatest running tradition will return as the kickoff to summer when runners will take on the point-to-point journey from the Saylorville Dam to Downtown Des Moines. With buses to the starting line, cold beer at the finish, and some of the most memorable rural and urban miles in the middle, this is one run you won’t want to miss.
Since 1980, more than 130,000 runners have made running from the quiet and calm of the Saylorville Dam to the heat and high-rises of downtown Des Moines one of the greatest running traditions in central Iowa. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a first-timer, or a diehard this iconic running event is for you.
SAYLORVILLE DAM
There is something unparalleled about standing on top of the Saylorville Dam and looking out at the high-rise buildings on the horizon knowing that you will conquer the distance in between. After crossing the dam athletes will travel south through the fields and rural beauty of Polk County.
DOWNTOWN DES MOINES
Runners traverse I-35 at the Morningstar bridge and continue into the Northside Neighborhoods, along the Des Moines River at Birdland Park and enter into Downtown Des Moines via the John Pat Dorrian Trail. Athletes will finish their half-marathon journey by crossing the Des Moines River and passing the World Food Prize Building. With the finish line behind you, there’s a huge party awaiting you at Cowles Commons across from The Des Moines Civic Center.
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Best Dam Race
There are not many races that I would want to do twice but his would be one of them. So wonderfully organized, great swag, fun course and great crowd support. MORE
There are not many races that I would want to do twice but his would be one of them. So wonderfully organized, great swag, fun course and great crowd support.
Best Race Iowa Has to Offer
I've done several road races in Iowa and this one stands head and shoulders above the rest. It is the most organized and well operated race. Plenty of on course … MORE
I’ve done several road races in Iowa and this one stands head and shoulders above the rest. It is the most organized and well operated race. Plenty of on course nutrition, and a great selection of snacks at the finish line. Your results are texted to you immediately as you cross the finish line. The route is unique to most other 1/2 Marathon courses in the Des Moines area and I would argue its far more “scenic” than the classic run through Waterworks park. They mail you training guides you use, prior to the race, which are really handy, especially if you’re a first timer. The swag is great, and the overall vibe of the race is just fun! June isn’t everyone’s favorite time to race, but I love it. It’s hot, but not too hot. This is the only race I would recommend to runners from other states.
A 13 mile Long Party
Swag is great, shirt and medal are beautiful. You also get small branded goodies. It is a point to point, and they shuttle you from designated parking spots (there are … MORE
Swag is great, shirt and medal are beautiful. You also get small branded goodies. It is a point to point, and they shuttle you from designated parking spots (there are a few in town) to the start line, so plan accordingly.
Lots of people spectate, for the first half its more like a traditional race, but after you get to the Northside neighborhoods, people are partying on their front lawns the whole way downtown. Afterparty is fun too with lots of snacks and things to do! Two big hills at miles 5 and 11, but other than that its smooth sailing.
Dam great race! :)
Overall the race was amazing. Everything from the swag to the event communication was outstanding. The finish line had an unique photo opportunity that brought up the racer name and … MORE
Overall the race was amazing. Everything from the swag to the event communication was outstanding. The finish line had an unique photo opportunity that brought up the racer name and finish time for the photo opportunity. Only improvements for the race would be more bathrooms at the start line and additional water/nutrition on the course. Finish line had a ton of nutrition and other items to enjoy! The views at the top of the dam were simply beautiful. 🙂 one of our overall favorites so far. Definitely recommend (even if the run weather was a little warm – finishing around 75 degrees).
Awesome wxperience
Love the scenery goes from country to city. A few inclines but nice paved roads. The music, volunteer, n cheer squads were awesome. Would definitely this run. Well organized love … MORE
Love the scenery goes from country to city. A few inclines but nice paved roads. The music, volunteer, n cheer squads were awesome. Would definitely this run. Well organized love the box of goodies
New race production put on a great run!
I had only done Dam to Dam once before this new race organization took over and that was when the race was a half marathon. I thought this new race … MORE
I had only done Dam to Dam once before this new race organization took over and that was when the race was a half marathon. I thought this new race organization did a great job! The only down side for me was the start, our bus did not arrive at the start until the race was just about to start and there were insanely long lines for the port-a-potties still, so I did not actually start the race until about 15 minutes after the actual start. If I had been wanting to be competitive this would have been frustrating but I was coming back from an injury and just having fun! The course is the same as it was and is a fun point to point starting on top of the Saylorville Dam and finishing in downtown Des Moines. I really love the shirts they gave out! Post race beers from Exile were great. I would definitely participate again!