RUN THE DAM 2026

Run the Dam takes runners across the massive Grand Coulee Dam and through the stark, dramatic walls of the coulee in Eastern Washington. This small but spirited race—drawing about 54 runners from five states—finishes in Banks Lake Park, where the Run the Dam Festival awaits with top-notch swag bags and finisher medals.

The course is described as challenging and scenic, offering a road route that tours the dam and the surrounding landscape. While the field is intimate, the setting is anything but ordinary: runners pass through a landscape carved by ancient floods, with the dam’s sheer scale providing a constant backdrop. The race supports a non-profit mission, giving it a community-rooted feel typical of small-town events.

Awards and swag are emphasized, and all finishers receive a medal. With a typical race-day forecast of 53–74°F and low precipitation, conditions are often favorable. Run the Dam is a hidden gem for those seeking a unique, low-key half-marathon in a remarkable location.