EMC DAM to DSM
About this race
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 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. 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.
Pick your distance
Running
Half Marathon
Virtual DAM Half Marathon
Runners will have from the Saturday (May 23rd) before the race to race day (May 30th) to run the virtual option.
Typical race-day weather
Based on 8 years of Open-Meteo archive data for this event's race dates in Polk City, plus the 3 days either side.
The sun rises at 5:40 AM and sets at 8:45 PM local time (CDT) in Polk City on June 5, 2027 — 15h 05m of daylight.
Course
No course map published yet.
The organizer hasn't released a route for this event, and we don't publish guesses. If you're the organizer, send us a GPX file and we'll draw the profile.
Reviews
Done this event?
If you've participated in this event, share your experience with other runners
Results — EMC DAM to DSM
Other races near Polk City
Different organizers, within 40 miles, in the next three months
Spooky Sprint- Des Moines
Love Louder 5k
Sycamore 8
4th Annual Backpocket Beer Mile
🏃 Plan Your Next Race in Polk City
Find upcoming events by distance:
- Polk City 5K Races 2 races
- Polk City Half Marathons 2 races
- Polk City Running Calendar 2026 3 races
Where this page comes from. Race details were last updated on . We re-check listings regularly and again in the week before race day.
- Entries, prices, waves and inclusions — the event's official registration page
- Temperature and humidity — Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)
- Elevation and terrain relief — Copernicus DEM GLO-90, ESA (CC BY 4.0)
- Comparisons and counts — Race Discovery calendar, 3 Polk City events
Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we'll fix it.