My Favorite DAM race

If there's one race that keeps me coming back, year after year, it is Dam to Dam.

Hands-down, this is my absolute favorite event. In fact, I just registered for my 10th consecutive Dam to Dam last week.  And, Runner's World magazine gives this event a nice mention in their April 2017 issue (page 91).

Back when I pinned on my first D2D bib (in 2008), it was a 20K. In 2014, it was lengthened to a half marathon (which didn't require much adjustment on the course other than to loop around a few extra city blocks near the finish). The registration opens in mid-March, is limited to 8,000 participants, and usually sells out (there also is a 5K option). The first Dam to Dam hit the streets in 1980, and takes place on June 3rd this year.

There are many reasons why I LOVE this event.

First of all, it was my first-ever distance event. (Recap HERE)

My first Dam to Dam, May 31, 2018 (pay no attention to the dorky hair or white shoes)

The course is unique, challenging, and scenic. We start out on the Saylorville Dam, with a view of the Des Moines skyline (off in the distance).

Can you see the Des Moines skyline...13 miles away?

There is an awesome tribute, called Memorial Hill (near mile 7), honoring all the fallen Iowa armed forces service  members (since the inception of Dam to Dam). The hill is long (nearly an entire mile), and usually has more walkers than runners by the time everyone reaches the top.

Each flag (along both sides of the course) represents a fallen soldier

The hubby has run it six (of the nine) times that I have. We seldom run the entire race together, but we have enjoyed many bumpy rides on the shuttle buses. That's ride...school buses. Being a point-to-point course, all runners are required to ride the buses to the start line.

The Dam runners on the bus go up and down, up and down....

Even though it's 13.1 continuous miles, there's continuous crowd support, music, and entertainment. Also, there are plenty of porta-pots and water/fuel stations every mile or so.

They have great tattoos! 

The registration is very reasonable ($40, for the first 4,000 registrants!) and includes a gender-specific tech shirt (from Brooks), socks (also from Brooks), and an awesome medal. The post-race party is pretty legit, too.  

2015

And, it's obvious there's plenty of race photographers along the course and I somehow always manage to spot them (apparently, I need some new camera poses). .

2015

2013

2014

In the nine years I have been running this race, I have experienced pretty much every kind of weather condition (with the exception of tornadoes, lightning, or hurricanes). One year (2009), it rained for the first nine miles (and I forgot my music at home that morning). Another year (2014), it was extremely hot and humid. In 2015, it was cool, damp, misty, and windy. Last year (2016) we had the most ideal temps and race day conditions yet...temps in the mid 70-'s, low humidity, and a gentle breeze.

2016

Well, have I sold you on Dam to Dam? It truly is a fun, and well-organized event! What do ya say? Care to join me on June 3rd?

**disclaimer: I am not an ambassador, nor have I been compensated in any way for this post. I simply LOVE this event! Want more info? Click HERE for the event website.

Aren't they pretty?

Do you have a favorite race you have run numerous (consecutive) times? What keeps you going back, year after year?

I'm linking up with Marcia and Patty and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run...we're talking about favorite races that we've run several times. Join the party!

Also, I'm linking with Suzie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches' Corner

And with Nicole and Annmarie and Jen for the Wild Wednesday Workout