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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Great Race with Great People
Although I suffered a knee injury at just the 5 mile mark, I was still able to finish this race which is awesome! I had hoped to never get experience … MORE
Although I suffered a knee injury at just the 5 mile mark, I was still able to finish this race which is awesome! I had hoped to never get experience with those at first-aid tents, but at the two I stopped at the volunteers were super friendly, encouraging, and helpful! I ran this race in 2024 as well and am glad to see that production and organization has only got better with time. There is only one big hill that is pretty drawn out and the route is completely paved. I also love how the scenery evolves! Starting by riding a bus has allowed me to get to know two amazing people after sitting by them and was a great start to race day, followed by sunrise on the beautiful Saylorville Dam and running from a forest to rolling fields and into the city was a bunch of fun, even the rain and injury couldn’t ruin this wonderful race for me!
Great 2nd half
Packet Pick Up: Was at Cowles Commons Downtown, which is an outdoor space and also the same location where the post-party is. We had to drive around a bit and … MORE
Packet Pick Up: Was at Cowles Commons Downtown, which is an outdoor space and also the same location where the post-party is. We had to drive around a bit and then park at a meter. When you walk in you pick the line based on the size of the shirt you ordered. Everything you need is pre-packed into a really nice reusable box that would be great for storing old race bibs. You are assigned the bib # from inside the box. We also got stickers, a race shirt, a ball, socks, and a hat. I LOVE the color scheme they use for everything with the purple and blue against black. There was merch for sale and a few vendors and lots of signs for pre-race photo opts.
Shuttles: We opted to stay at a hotel downtown (Residence Inn) which was 0.50 mile walk to downtown shuttles, and 0.5 mile walk from finish line. Shuttles took off on time and it was a 30 min ride to start line.
Pre-Race: There was no gear check at the start line which was extremely disappointing. It rained during the race, and I was cold when I got back and instead of hanging out, I just ended up going back to my hotel when I could have at least put on my sweatshirt from a gear bag. Plus I do so many races that I can’t afford to always “throw away” clothing at the start line. I have also been to races where it was raining at the start, and I’ve left my rain jacket on to stay warm and then put it in my gear bag.
Port-a-potties: This gets its own section because this was my biggest complaint about this race. Not enough potties!!! If there is not enough at the start, then people either go too early or can’t get into one before the start, which means everyone tries to get into the first sets on the course. The first couple sets there was only three potties. HUGE lines. I waited 7 minutes in line to use one because my gut was bothering me. I was super disappointed because for a PR friendly course to create obstacles for people to achieve their goals is so frustrating.
Race: The race itself was pretty flat and boring the first half and there was no tree coverage, and it was hot. I really enjoyed starting on the dam and that first mile was pretty cool. I did like how they had it broken up into sections and you got to run under the various arches for the Fan Zone, the “Halfway There” arch, etc. Once we got into the neighborhoods, we had more shade, and people were out in their yards cheering and lots of sprinkles for us to run through. It did start to rain around mile 8 and being back of the pack I had a ways to go but there was so much to see after that point. Lots of great views of the water, downtown, parks, and bridges. Plus we started getting a few more rolling hills which was more interesting and gave some relief to the legs.
Post-Race: We were given chocolate milk, banana, and a couple snacks and not far off the exit chute was the Cowles Common area. I didn’t stay there long because I was cold and just too many people. Plus only 3 potties and another long line. As I headed down to the next block there was a huge farmers market with food and gifts. I grabbed something to eat from there on my way back to hotel.
Overall: I’m glad I picked this race to check off Iowa on my 50-state challenge. They had great swag and merch to buy. The fun second half did make up for the boring first half. Plus we were only in town for 3 days and still squeezed in the Botanical Gardens, the Pappajohn’s Sculpture Gardens, and Reiman Gardens. But due to the lack of gear check and pottie issues I can’t say it will be a race I would repeat.
Great race- Highly recommend
Overall, a really fun race. Pros: closed course so never found myself needing to dodge around people amazing race volunteers, wide open and easy to navigate post race party, well … MORE
Overall, a really fun race.
Pros: closed course so never found myself needing to dodge around people
amazing race volunteers, wide open and easy to navigate post race party, well spaced and timed aid stations. Really fun swag box.
The course is a point to point and does have stretches with just great scenery and the runners doing the race. The directors and locals do a great job of creating “cheer stations”. I think there were 3 on course where they congregate in large numbers to motivate the runners.
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!