HalfRuns
EMC DAM to DSM

EMC DAM to DSM

Race Date

May 30, 2026

Location

Polk City, IA

Solid Pick59

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

Directions

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

13.1 Miles

Quality Score

Solid Pick59
Methodology
Heritage8/20

4 years running

Size15/15

~3,255 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty20/20

31% returning runners

Course & details6/15

2 timing sources · 6 photos

National draw0/10

runners from 1 state

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 1:08:43

Weather0/10

typical high 76°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (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

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:05p50 median ≈ 2:104:20

Turnout by year

20222025

'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

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