
EMC DAM to DSM
Race Date
May 30, 2026
Location
Polk City, IA
The Experience
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.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, May 30, 2026
Start Time
7:00 AM
Giveaway
Official Race T-Shirt
Start Location
8250 Horseshoe Road, Polk City, IA, 50309
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Elevation Gain
0'
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Solid Pick594 years running
~3,255 finishers a year
growing or steady
31% returning runners
2 timing sources · 6 photos
runners from 1 state
winner 1:08:43
typical high 76°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
55°
Afternoon (High)
76°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
13 mph
Wind
64%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 12,401 finishers actually crossed the line across 4 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
12,401
Median time
2:09:16
Latest turnout
3,892
States
41
Turnout by year
2022–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
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