Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Your Top Three Frequently Asked Questions
- I'm injured and cannot run Dam to Dam, will there be a refund?
There are no refunds at Dam to Dam, your entry fee will appropriately be used to maintain Iowa's Distance Classic for another 32 years. The volunteer race committee is committed to keeping this race non-profit and a joy for runners to run every year. While we understand that not all runners will be able to attend the race, your entry fee will be used effectively in 2011 and beyond.
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- Can I give my race number and chip to another runner?
No, do not transfer race numbers. Any runner with the wrong race number will be disqualified and runners involved will be asked to not participant again at Dam to Dam. Changing race numbers can create unintended award and medical problems. Additionally, bandits are not allowed in this race - permits, police fees, organizational costs, etc are reserved only for those who registered.
- Can I change my race distance?
The 20K is completely sold out. The only change possible is from the 20K to the 5K. This change can be done Friday, June 3 at packet pickup.
General Race Information
- How do I register for Dam to Dam?
You can register for Dam to Dam 5k online through May 28. No paper or mailed entries are accepted. No registration at packet pickup.
Register online at GetMeRegistered.com
You can register free for the Dam to Dam Youth Runs on Friday, June 3 at packet pickup and Saturday, June 4 on the north side of the Civic Center.
- What are the Entry Fees?
20 Kilometer is sold out.
No registration at packet pickup June 3
5 Kilometer
$25 through April 30
$30 through May 14 (May 1 - May 14)
$35 through May 28 (May 15 - May 28)
No registration at packet pickup June 3 or 4
Youth Runs
Free on June 3 or 4
- Does Dam to Dam limit the number of runners in each race?
Yes the 20k and 5k are capped this year at 8,000 and 3,000 respectively.
- Are bikes, rollers blades or baby joggers allowed on the course?
No early starts, bikes, baby joggers, dogs, roller blades are permitted. Headphones or electronic listening devices are permitted but discouraged for the safety of yourself and other runners.
- What timing system is being use at Dam to Dam?
All runners will be provided a chip which must be affixed to your shoe and returned after you finish. You will be timed according to your chip or net time. Open and age division awards will be determined by gun time. Failure to wear or return your chip will result in disqualification. There is a $10 charge for chips not returned.
Registration Questions
- What do I do if I cannot Participate once I have registered?
No refunds on entry fees or transferring of race numbers. Runners not wearing the correct race number will be disqualified and asked to not enter Dam to Dam in the future.
- How do I know if I am registered?
Runners will receive a e-mail upon completing of your on-line registration from GetMeRegistered.com Also your credit card will 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 June 1.
You should definitely receive confirmation from GetMeRegistered. If you do not receive an e-mail or cannot find you name on the entrant list, come to the June 3 packet pickup for corrections.
- What is the deadline for registration?
Saturday midnight May 28 is the last date and time for entering Dam to Dam or when the limit of 8,000 20k and 3,000 5k is reached.
- How do I change race distances?
The 20K is completely sold out. The only change possible is from the 20K to the 5K. This change can be done Friday, June 3 at packet pickup.
- Where does my registration fee go?
Your registration fees help pay for the necessary permits, police support, runners services, supplies and personnel to put on the race. Dam to Dam is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization. Dam to Dam 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.
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Packet Pickup
- What is the location and time of packet pickup?
Friday, June 3 at the Polk Country Convention Complex, 501 Grand Avenue from 2-8 p.m.
There is no packet pickup for the 20k on race day.
A limited and late 5k only packet pickup is available Saturday, June 4, 8-9 a.m. at northeast corner of the Civic Center, 1 block east of the finish line.
- How can I find my race number assignment prior to packet pickup?
All entrants assigned race number will be posted at DamtoDam.com June 1.
If you cannot find you name on the entrant list come to the June 3 packet pickup for corrections.
- Can someone else pickup 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.
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Race Day Information
- Where should I park on Race Day?
20k parking is available on the street and parking garages near the bus transportation to the start area at 5th and Grand. It's suggested parking north of the finish area to allow easy access to the buses and to exit the downtown area after the race.
5k parking is available on the street and parking garages. It's suggested parking north of the finish area. Do not park south of the finish area due to Farmer's Market in that area.
- What is the start time and location?
20 Kilometer starts at 7 a.m. at the west end of Saylorville Dam, north of Des Moines. The Dam and roads leading to the Dam are closed to traffic at 5:30 a.m. To avoid congestion and parking difficulties, runners should take a bus to the Dam. Three new pick up locations have been added for the convenience of race participants. Buses leave from the Polk County Convention Complex (501 Grand Avenue), Merle Hay Mall, Valley West Mall and DMACC Ankeny Campus to Saylorville Dam from 5 to 5:45 a.m. Bus transportation is one-way only - buses will not return to the pick-up locations after the race. >> VIEW BUS INFO PAGE INCLUDING MAPS
5 kilometer starts at 9:45 a.m. at the corner of Third and Walnut streets, one block south of the finish area and adjacent to Nollen Plaza.
Youth runs start at 10:50 a.m. east of the finish line.
- Is there gear bag check-in for the 20k?
20k clothing bags are provided and can be dropped off at the west end of Saylorville Dam near the start area. Clothing will be transported to the finish and claimed on the south side of the Capital Square building, on Walnut Street between Fourth and Fifth streets. Dam to Dam is not responsible for lost items
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- Are there portable bathrooms near the 20k and 5k start?
20k has over 100 portable bathrooms west start area. 5k has over 40 portable bathrooms west of the start area, near Capital Square building on Walnut.
- Is there a course time limit?
Yes - runners must complete the 20k course in 3 1/2 hours and the 5k course in 1 hour. The 20k, 5k and Youth Runs all end at the same location, 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 vehicular traffic after the time limits.
- How can I reunite with family, friends and other runners at the end of the 20k?
The easiest way to find your family and friends after the race is to have a plan beforehand. The best place to meet 20k runners is on the east side of the Capital Square building on Nollen Plaza.
20k runners after finishing will be directed around the Capital Square building counter clockwise to receive their finisher medal, water, sports drink and their clothing bags. No spectators or family members are allowed in this area.
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Post-Race Information
- How will I receive my 20k finishers medal in the 20k?
You must finish in under 3 1/2 hours. Your medal will be presented to you after returning your chip and exiting from the finish line area.
- If I won a age division award, how do I get it?
20 Kilometer and 5 Kilometer age division awards will be mailed by June 15.
- How will I find my official time?
Results will posted on the east side of the Capital Square building. Full results will be available by 7 p.m., Saturday, June 5, at www.damtodam.com The official results booklet will be mailed to all entrants.
- What will be the date of Dam to Dam in 2012?
Dam to Dam is traditionally the Saturday after Memorial Day. In 2012 it will be June 2.
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We would like to thank our two primary race sponsors, Allied Insurance and News Channel 8. This event is possible because of their continuing support and dedication.
