EMC DAM to DSM
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Event
The EMC DAM to DSM is a half-marathon event held in Polk City and downtown Des Moines in late May 2026. The event offers both an in-person Half Marathon (open to ages 11+) and a Virtual DAM Half Marathon. The in-person half-marathon entry price is listed at $70 (reduced from a higher price), and the virtual event price is listed at $80 with virtual registration opening October 19, 2025. A City of Des Moines trail use fee of $1.00 applies. Since 1980, more than 135,000 runners have completed the route between Saylorville Dam and downtown Des Moines.
Course and race-day
The course starts at Saylorville Dam and travels south through rural areas of Polk County. Runners traverse I-35 at the Morningstar bridge, continue through Northside neighborhoods, and run along the Des Moines River at Birdland Park before entering downtown Des Moines. The finish line is located in downtown Des Moines near the World Food Prize Building, with a post-race area at Cowles Commons across from the Des Moines Civic Center. The published race place address is 8250 Horseshoe Road, Polk City, IA 50309. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.