DES MOINES, Iowa — Thousands woke up early to partake in the Dam to Des Moines half marathon Saturday morning, and several shared what brought them to the race.

In its 46th year, the 2025 EMC Dam to DSM Half Marathon sold out days before the event took place. The route starts at the Saylorville Dam and ends in downtown Des Moines. Runners share what brought them to run the Des Moines tradition.

Maya Struhar, a Dam to DSM Runner, said she ran the marathon for her birthday.

“I ran a half marathon today because it’s my birthday and it’s what I wanted to do for my birthday. I convinced a bunch of my friends to do it with me and I’m so glad we did. We had a great time.”

Emma Wagner, a Dam to DSM Runner, said she and her friends did not train for the marathon.

“Well, we didn’t train for it, and we wanted the medal,” said Wagner.

Maxwell Lidstrom, a Dam to DSM Runner, said he ran the marathon because of his friends.

“That’s my friends doing it and it was a good reason to get off the couch, start practicing, and get some training going,” Lidstrom said.

Oliver Rush, a Dam to DSM Runner, said he had something to prove.

“To support my friends and to prove to myself that I could do it,” Rush said.