![trail campagne[76]](/getfile.php/5494475.1046.nkqmkttpkaplqj/trail+campagne%5B76%5D.jpg)
EMC DAM
to DSM 2026
SPORTS INFOS — Iowa's greatest running tradition — 13.1 miles, Saylorville Dam to downtown Des Moines, buses to start, cold beer at finish, elite prize purse, 47 years strong. May 30, 2026.
Results — 2026 EMC DAM to DSM Half Marathon
Official results on TrueTime Racing — 13.1 miles, Saylorville Dam to Downtown Des Moines, Iowa — Saturday 30 May 2026. Organiser: Riproa Events. Sponsor: EMC. Questions on results: TrueTime Racing.
Results — TrueTime Racing → 🌐 damtodsm.com →Iowa's Greatest Running Tradition — 47 Years and Counting
The 2026 EMC DAM to DSM Half Marathon celebrates its 47th edition on Saturday 30 May 2026, kicking off summer the only way Iowa knows how. Organised by Riproa Events and sponsored by EMC, this point-to-point half marathon has been a fixture of the Iowa running calendar since 1980, when 375 runners lined up for the first edition. Today it draws thousands of athletes from across the Midwest and beyond for what is widely considered Iowa's most iconic race course.
The premise is simple and brilliant: a school bus hauls you north to the top of the Saylorville Dam above Saylorville Lake, and then you run the entire way back to Downtown Des Moines. Thirteen point one miles of rural Polk County fields, interstate bridges, riverside parks and city neighborhoods — no two years alike, no shortcut, no escape. Just you, the road, and the skyline growing larger with every step. And yes — cold beer is waiting at the finish.
«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. Iowa's greatest running tradition returns to kickoff summer. With buses to the starting line, cold beer at the finish, and some of the most memorable rural and urban miles in the middle, this is one run you won't want to miss.» — damtodsm.com
🏁 Start: Top of the Saylorville Dam POINT-TO-POINT BUS TO START
The only way to reach the start is via shuttle bus — bib number required to board. Buses depart from select downtown Des Moines locations. Standing on the crest of Saylorville Dam overlooking the lake with the Des Moines skyline shimmering 13.1 miles to the south is a moment like no other in Iowa running.
📍 Miles 1–7: Rural Polk County + Morningstar Bridge (I-35) SWAG BOX
After crossing the dam, athletes travel south through the fields and rural beauty of Polk County. Flat, fast Iowa roads. Runners then traverse I-35 at the Morningstar Bridge — a midpoint landmark. Swag: athlete swag box, athletic t-shirt, finisher medal, race bib, sponsor items.
📍 Miles 7–13.1: Northside Neighborhoods → Des Moines River → Finish TRUETIME
Into the Northside Neighborhoods, then along the Des Moines River at Birdland Park — a scenic riverside stretch with urban greenway and city views. The final miles bring runners into the heart of Downtown Des Moines. Finish location: Downtown Des Moines. Beer. Medal. Glory.
♿ Wheelchair + Hand-Cycle Division WHEELCHAIR
Exhibition division eligible to compete against other wheelchair/hand-cycle athletes. Not eligible for Elite Prize Purse. Contact: info@riproarevents.com. No strollers permitted (bus logistics + race insurance).
Race Day Summary — Saturday 30 May 2026
| Event / Detail | Info | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EMC DAM to DSM Half Marathon 13.1 MI 47TH EDITION | Sat 30 May 2026 | Saylorville Dam → Downtown Des Moines · point-to-point · Iowa's greatest tradition |
| Start Location | Saylorville Dam | Top of the dam, Polk City area · stunning lake view + DSM skyline on horizon |
| Buses to Start INCLUDED | Bib required | Depart from downtown Des Moines · only way to reach the start · no private car access |
| Course Route | Rural → Urban | Dam → Polk County fields → I-35 Morningstar Bridge → Northside → Birdland Park → Downtown |
| Elite Prize Purse ELITE | Prize money | Email proof of qualifying result (sub-time) to info@riproarevents.com · reduced entry fee |
| Wheelchair / Hand-Cycle EXHIBITION | Welcome | Exhibition division · not eligible for Elite Purse · contact info@riproarevents.com |
| Finish Line Perks 🍺 SWAG | Downtown DSM | Cold beer · finisher medal · t-shirt · swag box · sponsor items · Iowa summer kicks off |
| Timing | TrueTime Racing | results.truetimeracing.com · CId=16535 · RId=1673 · questions: TrueTime Racing |