This tradition has always been one focused on building community through running. Each year we’re working to strengthen this community through finding unique and inspiring ways to raise funds, volunteer time, and do good.

With your help, we committed to raising funds for central Iowa organizations near and dear to our hearts. 

This year’s featured charity partner:

She plays

“She Plays” is a Central Iowa-based nonprofit with a mission to encourage, educate, and empower female athletes to play with confidence beyond the finish line. Founder Erica Lynn Douglas is a Central Iowa native and was recently named as the new track and field coach at Ames High, taking the reins of one of Iowa’s top boys and girls track programs. She Plays teaches confidence and joy through the challenges of athletics.

Supporting and empowering female runners is the key to the continuation of the EMC DAM to DSM tradition. Female runners have outnumbered male runners at every RipRoar running event each year starting in 2019 (included races are: EMC DAM to DSM, Des Moines Turkey Trot, Iowa Dog Jog, and DSMWHM). Endurance running has increasingly become an important place for equality within sport, and this community’s support of female-focused running charities is one of the top ways to ensure the sport and events we love grow into the future.

Continuing our support for organizations with a shared mission. 

In addition to She Plays, we will also continue our support for outside organizations that share in our mission of improving Central Iowa through sport and recreation. We operate on a 50/50 basis with 50% of all funds going to our “featured charity” and 50% being used to continue supporting these additional charity partners.

Do you know a local charity partner that would fit well with the missions of health, wellness and community in Des Moines? We’re always looking for outstanding organizations to support through our events. Drop us a line here.