The EMC DAM to DSM does not issue refunds, deferrals, or allow athletes to transfer registrations. If the event is unable to happen as scheduled due to local, state, or federal mandates, or must be canceled for any other reason, all athletes will be transferred to our virtual event.

Yes, 13.1 miles! The EMC DAM to DSM made the transition to a half marathon from a 20K in 2022. Same traditional start and finish from Saylorville Dam to Downtown Des Moines.

Yes, wheelchair + hand-cycle athletes are welcome to participate in the EMC DAM to DSM. Our wheelchair and hand-cycle division is an exhibition division eligible to compete against other hand-cycle + wheelchair athletes but not eligible to compete for the Elite Prize Purse.

If you’re an athlete looking to compete in this division please reach out to info@riproarevents.com.

Unfortunately, no. There are a couple of reasons for which we do not allow for strollers at this event :

1. Our race insurance requires all participants to be registered and have a signed race waiver.

2. The shuttle bus system that we use to get athletes to the start line does not accommodate for strollers or the safety of young children to ride on the bus.

We love four-legged friends as much as anyone, but unfortunately, our insurance does not cover dogs participating in our event, whether leashed or unleashed.

However, we do make an exception for Certified Service Animals with the appropriate documentation. If this applies to your pet, please contact us directly at info@riproarevents.com so we can assist you.

Our half marathon event starts at the Saylorville Dam and travels south towards downtown Des Moines. The unique point-to-point race route will cross some of Iowa's rural beauty and as well as some of Des Moines’ most storied neighborhoods before finishing in the heart of downtown. The total effort will be a certified half marathon course.

See the 2025 Course here. *Course is subject to change due to any unforeseen issues.

The cut-off time for the EMC DAM to DSM Half Marathon is a 17 minute per mile pace. Athletes that do not maintain this pace will be picked up by a support vehicle and either advanced on the course or transported to the finish line.

The host hotel for EMC DAM to DSM is the Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel (401 Locust St., Des Moines).

The Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel is located just steps from packet pick-up and the post-race party and is only an eight-minute walk to the downtown shuttle pick-up location via the skywalk.

Room Block information can be found here.

Please note that the last day to book at the discounted rate is May 6, 2026.

Please also note that last year the hotel sold out of rooms, so if you plan to stay at the Renaissance, please book soon!

The average high for early June in Des Moines is 80 degrees with the average low being 60 degrees. But, this is Iowa, so if you’re traveling we recommend packing layers and various weather options. Also, staying hydrated before race day.

Pack your ponchos! Rain or shine, the event will happen. If there is unsafe weather, we will work with the Des Moines Police Department to monitor the weather and keep you informed. We most definitely want to ensure each athlete gets to experience the EMC DAM to DSM, but we will make sure that the safety of the athletes, volunteers, staff and city officials are the number one priority.

All weather updates will be posted via email to all registered athletes and social media.

Absolutely! You can find out more information about our charity partners here.

RipRoar Events is a Des Moines-based event company that also produces the Des Moines Turkey Trot, Des Moines Women’s Half Marathon + 10K + 5K + Team Relay, RipRoar Youth Triathlon Series as well as numerous other things that make Des Moines a great place to be.

Yes, our friends at Fitness Sports have put together a 12-Week Half Marathon Training Plan for our athletes!

Beginner 12-Week Training

Intermediate 12-Week Training

Fueling Guide

*Please Note - Any athlete who switches from in-person to virtual after May 11th is expected to pick up their race packet in-person during our race week packet pick up hours or at the post race packet pick up prior to race weekend.

1. Go to www.runsignup.com and log in to your profile

2. Click “My Profile” in the top right corner of the screen

3. Find the EMC DAM to DSM from your “upcoming events” and click “manage registration.”

4. Along the top navigation bar choose “transfer event”

5. Click “start transfer” and complete the registration.

We value your money and want to make sure we’re delivering an exceptional experience to you wherever we can. Our standard refund policy across all races does not allow for refunds, transfers or deferrals for any reason.

We do not allow race transfers between people. If you’re no longer able to attend the event we suggest switching to our “virtual event” and claim your race swag. See how to switch your registration to virtual in the previous question.

Yes we do. And can we just say, a company that gets behind its staff taking on such an epic challenge is a pretty cool company in our books. Find out more about our corporate bulk registration pricing here.

Running is more fun with friends! It’s simple - when you register your confirmation email will include a unique link that is tied to your registration. Send that link to friends, or post it on your social media. If someone clicks on it, and registers from there you’ll receive credit for that registration.

If you get 3 friends to sign up using your special referral link you will receive a refund of $20.00, and another $10 refund for every referral beyond that as a special thank you.

We ask that participants be 12 years old or older on race day. However, this rule is at the Race Director’s discretion. If you know of a young athlete that has competed in similar distance events previously feel free to reach out to us via the contact page.

The race insurance that s available during the registration process is made through the registration platform, Run SignUp, and not the production company of RipRoar Events. Please watch this video if you are wanting to file a claim.

This year’s event will still offer free + reduced entry fees to elite athletes who meet the requirements posted in the next question.

This year’s event will not offer cash prizes or travel/lodging stipends for elite runners. It is our hope that as event participation and sponsorships continue to recover we are able to reinvest in this community of runners in the future.

The A-Standard: Free Race Entry

Men: Sub 1:08 Half-Marathon Women: Sub 1:20 Half-Marathon

B-Standard: $25 Race Entry

Men: Sub 1:15 Half-Marathon Women: Sub 1:25 Half Marathon

Elite athletes wishing to claim their reduced entry fee should email written verification (i.e. copy of printed race results or finish certificate from 2025 or 2026) to info@riproarevents.com

Packet pick up will be held at Cowles Commons (*times are subject to chance) :

Thursday, May 29th from 4:00 - 7:00 PM

Friday, May 30th from Noon - 6:30 PM

Those wishing to pick up their packet on race morning must select this option during registration and pay the race day packet pick-up service fee.

Downtown Des Moines parking information can be found here.

Bring your ID, race confirmation, and know your t-shirt size! If someone else registered you for the race, you will be required to have a signed waiver on-file with the event prior to receiving your race packet. it is best to have all race confirmations of the athletes you are picking up for whether it be the actual email or screenshot of the QR code from the confirmation email.

Yes! Bring a copy of their registration confirmation email, be sure they have a signed waiver on file with the race and know their shirt size for a quick, smooth packet pick up experience.

There are two different options for catching the bus to get to the start line at the Saylorville Dam. The bus pick-up locations are :

DMACC Ankeny Campus

Downtown Des Moines (Cherry Street - parking lot between 7th + 8th Street)

Bus transportation is only available to the start line and buses will not transport from the finish line back to those locations that athletes were picked up at. Generally, bus pick-up times occur between 5:00 am - 6:00 am.

Yes! The Army Corps Of Engineers requires that all athletes attending the event arrive via shuttle bus. This is for the safety and security of athletes attending. Sheriffs, Army Corps Staff, and Race Staff will not allow anyone on to the Dam that does not follow these two methods. This is a nonnegotiable as you will not be able to access the dam on race morning and run the chance of missing the start of the race if you do not arrive at the start line on a shuttle.

If you are a wheelchair or hand-cycle athlete, please contact RipRoar Events to make arrangements.RipRoar Events

We're excited to again offer complimentary race tracking for our athletes.

The RaceJoy App allows athletes to be tracked by family and friends with a live GPS tracker as well as push notification updates at every mile. GPS Tracking Powered by Broadlawns Medical Center will give families reassurance by sending out athlete's splits and loved ones can even send encouraging messages and/or music throughout the race to their athlete. More information GPS Tracking Powered by Broadlawns Medical Center will be sent out to all registered athletes closer to race day. This technology uses an athlete’s cell phone and must be downloaded prior to the race start at no charge.

The race will become active on the app during race week.

Check out how to track your run with RaceJoy on our Race Resources page.

A street impact list can be viewed here. To view a map of the detour, click here.

An East Village Street Impact map is provided here.

You will be running on clearly marked closed roads or trails for the entirety of the race. Aid stations will have fuel and hydration along the course. Stay tuned for more information about aid stations.

Check out where water and nutrition will be on course here.

Yes! The Awards ceremony will take place on race morning at 9:00AM on the stage at Cowles Commons for the Top 3 of Males and Females. All other age group awards will be able to be picked up at the awards space located on Cowles Commons.

We will do age group award medals for 1st-3rd for the following age groups for male and female: 19 and Under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+ and PC division.

Awards will not be given to virtual athletes and will be categorized in their own results category.

Port-o-lets will be available at all key points throughout the event to ensure you're never far from a restroom.

You’ll find them at both bus pick-up locations, at the start line, and at every aid station along the course.

Once you're dropped off at the DAM and begin your walk to the start line, you’ll pass by three separate areas with additional port-o-lets. Whether you're just arriving or mid-race, we’ve got you covered when nature calls.

Start Line Map

What would the EMC DAM to DSM be without great beer?! We are excited to partner with Big Grove Brewery to provide a local, tasty beer at packet pick-up and at the post-race party.

Join us for Party on the Patio at 5PM on race day at Big Grove Brewery (555 17th St, Des Moines).

Remember to wear your EMC DAM to DSM medal to get a complimentary pour of Neighborhood beer.

Yes! We typically hold a post race packet pick up in the Des Moines area if you were unable to race with us in-person or have a friend pick it up for you during normal packet pick up hours during race week.

Location and times for the 2024 post race packet pick up will become available closer to race week.

If you do not live in the Des Moines metro and need your swag shipped, please contact Sarah@riproarevents.com.

Virtual runners have from the Saturday before the race (May 24th) to race day (May 31st) to run their virtual race through RaceJoy. If choosing to submit results through the app, please complete your run 10:59 AM on May 31st for results to be automatically uploaded.

If a runner misses that window, they can submit their results by emailing info@riproarevents.com by 11:59 PM on Monday, June 2.

Yes! There are two options. You can submit your time using the link provided in the post-race email or email your result to info@riproarevents.com. You have until 11:59 PM on Monday, June 2 to submit your results.

We're excited to again offer complimentary race tracking for our athletes.

The RaceJoy App allows athletes to be tracked by family and friends with a live GPS tracker as well as push notification updates at every mile. GPS Tracking Powered by Broadlawns Medical Center will give families reassurance by sending out athlete's splits and loved ones can even send encouraging messages and/or music throughout the race to their athlete. More information GPS Tracking Powered by Broadlawns Medical Center will be sent out to all registered athletes closer to race day. This technology uses an athlete’s cell phone and must be downloaded prior to the race start at no charge.

See how to track your run in RaceJoy on our race resources page.

Absolutely. The Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP) sets standards for training and sports settings that prevent abuse and misconduct. MAAPP helps young athletes be safe, supported, and strengthened by limiting one-on-interactions, ensuring proper training, and increasing accountability. To view USATF’s MAAP policies among USATF’s additional Safe Sport policies, click here. To find the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s MAAPP one-pagers, trainings, and other resources, click here.

We’d love to have you as a vendor at the EMC DAM to DSM Expo! Please fill out the Vendor Request Form below.

Deadline is May 16th. Please note: vendor applications are reviewed and considered on an individual basis. We curate our vendors to match the goals of the race and bring a diverse product offering to our athletes.