Dam to Dam is an Iowa Legend, but 2014 was my first year running it. It is a point-to-point race with buses to the start. The race begins at Saylorville Lake, running across the dam and is all downhill for the first mile and then flat for about the next four. Mile 7 (Morningstar Hill) is a large, long hill, but the spectators and row of flags provide a nice distraction. Crowd support was pretty good from this point in the route to the finish. The overall course has a lot of variety in scenery and there are lots of runners on course. Finish is downtown Des Moines and was set up well.
- When you stop by the Expo for packet pick up - show up hungry! There was a lot of food! The Brooks running socks were a great perk. Race shirt was very nice quality.
- My prime complaint was the weather. (yes, I know that cannot be controlled). 2014's race was the warmest day yet that year and the humidity level was sky high. It made my run miserable, as my body was not prepared. Given that, I do plan to run it again this year, as I know that weather is always changing and not likely to be the same as 2014 (please no!) Dam to Dam is an Iowa tradition that all runners should have on their "must" list.
www.damtodam.com