EMC DAM to DSM
- Date Sat 30th May 2026
- Time 7:00AM CDT
- Location Polk City, Iowa
- Price $76.15 - $86.60
- Races 2 races
- Distances Half Marathon
Event summary
Join us for the EMC DAM to DSM on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in the picturesque Lake City, Calhoun! This iconic event celebrates Iowa's greatest running tradition, inviting runners of all levels—from first-timers to seasoned marathoners—to experience a stunning course that spans from the serene Saylorville Dam to the vibrant downtown Des Moines.
Participants will embark on an exhilarating half-marathon journey, taking in the breathtaking views from the dam before traversing the scenic fields and rural beauty of Polk County. As you make your way into downtown Des Moines, you'll cross I-35, enjoy the lush landscapes of Birdland Park, and finish strong by the World Food Prize Building. After crossing the finish line, the celebration continues at Cowles Commons, where a lively party awaits! Don't miss this chance to be part of a running legacy that has welcomed over 135,000 runners since 1980—mark your calendars and get ready for a memorable experience!
Participants will embark on an exhilarating half-marathon journey, taking in the breathtaking views from the dam before traversing the scenic fields and rural beauty of Polk County. As you make your way into downtown Des Moines, you'll cross I-35, enjoy the lush landscapes of Birdland Park, and finish strong by the World Food Prize Building. After crossing the finish line, the celebration continues at Cowles Commons, where a lively party awaits! Don't miss this chance to be part of a running legacy that has welcomed over 135,000 runners since 1980—mark your calendars and get ready for a memorable experience!
Organiser's Description
IOWA'S GREATEST RUNNING TRADITION.
Since 1980, more than 135,000 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 youre 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. 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.
Since 1980, more than 135,000 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 youre 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. 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.
Races
-
Half Marathon
Incl. $6.15 Fee & Official Race T-Shirt
Sat 30th May 2026 (7:00AM CDT)
$76.15
-
Virtual DAM Half Marathon
Incl. $6.60 Fee & Official Race T-Shirt
$86.60
OPENS 19 OCTRunners will have from the Saturday (May 23rd) before the race to race day (May 30th) to run the virtual option.
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8250 Horseshoe Road, Polk City, 50309, IA, United States
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EMC DAM to DSM
