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The tradition continues | may 31st, 2025

Iowa’s greatest running tradition will return as the kickoff to summer in 2025. For the 46th year, 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.

RACE DAY MEMORIES

The 2024 photo gallery is coming soon! It will be the same link that is below. Check back later or follow us @damtodsm to know when the gallery gets updated.

Kudos to our event photographer, Archi! Check out the race day memories and purchase your favorite memory with the link below.

 

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, there’s a post party awaiting you at Cowles Commons across from The Des Moines Civic Center.

 
 

Likely the most iconic race route in all of Iowa, the point-to-point half marathon course takes athletes from the shores of the Saylorville Lake to the heart of downtown Des Moines.

We like to joke that no one in their right mind would conceive such a course today. But, 45 years ago, 375 runners joined in the first running of this route and started a tradition unlike anything else around. No two years are alike, so whether you're a first-timer or a 3rd-generation DAM runner, this run is for everyone.

*2025 route is subject to change. Check here or stay up-to-date on emails for any course changes made closer to race day. An official race course map will be included in your official athlete email closer to race day.

Last updated May 17th, 2024.

 
 
 

Download a copy of the emc DAM to DSM course map here.

Swag included with your registrations includes an athlete swag box, athletic t-shirt, Finisher medal, official race bib, and more items from our race sponsors. *Below photos are examples of past designs. 2025 designs will be revealed at a later date.

READY TO GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY? JOIN OUR TEAM!

Rome might not have been built in a day, but EMC DAM to DSM will be… and then torn down again. If you love the rush of being a part of something epic, love the sticky feeling of giving a sweaty high-five, and don’t mind a little chaos- you’ll love volunteering at EMC DAM to DSM. We’ve got a shift to fit most abilities, and simply require any volunteers under 15 be accompanied by an adult. Thanks in advance for helping to make this awesome.

Opportunities range from registration check-in, water aid stations, handing out medals + post race athlete food and MORE!

 
 

RipRoar Events is a Des Moines based endurance event production team with a passion for building events at the highest level, and a whole bunch of Iowa pride. We believe that creating events focused on the celebration of challenges, and the empowerment of joining together a tribe will inspire lasting change to our community.

Seeing the EMC DAM to DSM race course from our office window serves as a daily reminder of the pride we hold for the community we love and the runners we'll serve.  Check out these other events we produce right here at home:  The Des Moines Women's Half Marathon, The Des Moines Turkey Trot, The RipRoar Youth Triathlon Series and SnowGlobe Pop Up Christmas Bar.