Run The Dam set for May 9

The Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce is organizing its "Run The Dam" race for its second year, working hard to make it an annual event that participants can't pass up, organizers said.

This year the races on the Saturday of the Colorama festival will be starting with a "wave start" due to a minor course change to keep the runners safety the top priority, said Mandy Button, in charge of the event for the chamber. The half-marathon will start at 7a.m., the 10k at 7:15 and the 5k at 7:30.

The course will remain the same, as far as beginning at the backside of the Grand Coulee Dam, crossing the dam and heading south out along Banks Lake for the longer distances. The 5k race will end at Banks Lake Park.

Run The Dam is looking for a few more volunteers to help at water stations and at the finish line, Button said. All volunteers will receive RTD swag that they can wear the day of the race and keep.

Those interested in the May 9 races should register before May 4 to be guaranteed a race shirt.

"After May 4th, all t-shirts will be unisex sizing and quantities will be limited," Button explained. "If you register after May 4th you will not be guaranteed a shirt."

Run The Dam is also looking for more sponsors. Button noted that sponsorship does not have to consist only of local businesses, individuals are also encouraged to sponsor.

"RTD would like to make improvements to the finish line, and all sponsorship funds will be going to help make that happen," she said.

Two sponsorship levels are priced at $100 and $150.