Frequently Asked Questions

General Race Information

How do I register?

The race is full – 9,000 runners entered by 12:52 pm on March 14th.

You may use the links below to Confirm your registration.

What are the entry fees?

To celebrate the 39th and last year of Iowa’s Distance Classic, race entry fees were lowered to $39.

Everyone who signed up on March 14th is guaranteed their shirt size and a race bib personalized with their first name.

Does Dam to Dam limit the number of runners?

Yes, the race is capped at 9,000 runners.

Are bikes, rollers blades or baby joggers allowed on the course?

Early starts, bikes, baby joggers, dogs, roller blades are NOT permitted. Headphones or electronic listening devices are permitted but discouraged for your safety and the safety of other runners.

What timing system is being use at Dam to Dam?

All runners will be provided a race number. Please attach with 4 pins to the front of your apparel. Your race number will have a chip affixed to the back. You will be timed according to your chip or net time. Open and age division awards will be determined by gun time.

The bib chip cannot be folded, pinned or bent in anyway for it to record your time correctly – failure to wear the race number correctly will result in disqualification.

Registration Questions

What do I do if I cannot participate once I have registered?

Online transfer of race numbers ended May 28. You can still transfer at packet pickup, June 1. See the transferring race entry page for more details.

A reminder – runners not wearing the correct race number will be disqualified. Transferring an entry is easy and is the best way to ensure we have accurate info for each runner on race day.

How do I know if I am registered?

Runners will receive an e-mail confirmation upon completion of your online registration from GetMeRegistered.com. The credit card used will also reflect your registration payment.

All entrants will receive an e-mail with final instructions and their assigned race number will be posted at DamtoDam.com on Thursday, May 31st.

You should definitely receive confirmation from GetMeRegistered.com. If you do not receive an e-mail or cannot find your name on the entrant list, come to the June 1st packet pickup for corrections.

Where does my registration fee go?

Your registration fees help pay for the necessary permits, police support, medical support, runners services, supplies and personnel to put on the race. Dam to Dam is a 501c(4) nonprofit organization and is directed entirely by volunteers. Dam to Dam has a long tradition of using registration fees to provide a great race at a reasonable cost.

9,000 entrant limit – Why the limit?

Dam runners are the best! We want to make sure everyone has a good run and a great day. All races have limits due to the start and finish area, course route, etc. Too many runners can lessen the running experience. Dam to Dam is no exception.

The race start area, Saylorville Dam, is a unique starting area and can handle only so many runners. Dam to Dam moves a small Iowa city 12.4 miles north of the finish and starts exactly at 7:00am. Thanks to you, it works!

The finish area at Cowles Commons is the perfect ending for all to relax and enjoy the sun. While Dam to Dam is expanding the area to the maximum, it’s only comfortable for 20,000 runners, spectators and family members.

Packet Pickup

Where and when is packet pickup?

Friday, June 1st at the Veteran’s Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center from 2:00pm to 8:00pm. There is no packet pickup on race day.

How can I find my race number assignment prior to packet pickup?

All race numbers will be posted at DamtoDam.com on Thursday, May 31st. If you cannot find your name on the entrant list, come to the June 1st packet pickup for corrections.

Can someone else pick up my packet?

Yes, make sure whomever picks up your packet has your permission to pick up your packet. No packets will be mailed prior to or after the race.

Race Day Information

Where should I park on race day?

The best downtown parking for runners on race day is in the Center Street Park and Ride. A special rate of $5 (cash only) is in place for the event. Parking is also available in the Principal surface parking lots to the west of the Park and Ride. These lots are located from Crocker Street south to Park Street, and from 7th Street west to 9th Street. See the parking map for more info.

For family and friends that are wondering where to park to support their favorite runner, a new option is available this year! Shuttles will be running from the Iowa State Capitol complex via the downtown D-Line (operated by DART). Click here for all the details. Note – shuttles do not operate early enough for Dam to Dam runners.

What is the start time and location?

The race starts at 7:00am on Saylorville Dam, north of Des Moines. The Dam and roads leading to the Dam are closed to traffic at 5:30am. To avoid congestion and parking difficulties, runners must take a bus to the Dam.

Bus service is from 3 sites in 2018 – no buses at Valley West Mall. Bus departure locations and times for each are listed below. Each runner must show their 39th Dam to Dam race bib to board a bus. Transportation is only available to Saylorville Dam prior to the race – no return transportation available to any start location.

Buses will leave from:

– Downtown – (5:00am to 5:45am) Bus pickup on 6th Avenue, from Crocker to Center Street, east side of the Park and Ride.

– Merle Hay Mall – (5:00am to 6:00am) Park on north side of mall, in the lot area north of the parking ramp.

– DMACC Ankeny campus – (5:00am to 6:00am) Park in Lot L-5 only, enter off of Oralabor Road.

Is there gear bag check-in?

Please take note that Dam to Dam can no longer be responsible for personal items you bring to the race. Therefore, we will not provide the bag drop service from the start line to the finish line as has been done in the past. Please do not bring any personal belongings to the race which need to be transported to the finish line. Any belongings left at the starting line or along the race route will be donated to charity.

Are there portable bathrooms near the start?

The race start location has over 140 portable bathrooms west of the start area. Portable bathrooms are also located along the route and at several of the water stations.

Is there a course time limit?

Yes – runners must complete the course by 11:00am. The race ends at Cowles Commons, 3rd & Locust. It is important that everyone honors the time limits. In order to comply with city and county permits, streets crossing the route must be reopened to vehicle traffic after the time limits.

How can I reunite with family, friends and other runners at the end of the race?

The easiest way to find your family and friends after the race is to have a plan beforehand.

Post-Race Information

How will I receive my finishers medal?

You must finish by 11:00am. Your medal will be presented to you after crossing the finish line.

If I won an age division award, how do I get it?

Age division winners can get awards at the information area. Awards will be available starting at 9:00am.

How will I find my official time?

Results will posted on the west side of the Cowles Commons area. Full results will be available by 5:00pm, Saturday, June 2nd, at DamtoDam.com.

What will be the date of Dam to Dam in 2019?

2018 will be the final Dam to Dam race.