"Run the Dam" will be offered during festival

As fall approaches, minds turn to “back to school” time and the area’s big Harvest Festival, Sept. 15-17.

One of the more popular features of the Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce’s Harvest Festival may be the “Run the Dam” event, which will take place during the fall festival for the second time this year, Saturday, Sept. 16.

“We moved it to fall, because we feel that fall in the Coulee is one of the greatest times to enjoy outdoor activities,” said Kelly Buche, race coordinator for the event.

Those entering the race will actually get to run over the top of Grand Coulee Dam without being trailed by security forces, that is, if you have the official wristband on.

The “Run the Dam” event features 5k, 10k, and half-marathon runs that cross the top of Grand Coulee Dam and end up at Banks Lake Park.

Registration has already begun. You can register online (runthedam.com).

Registration fee is from $20-$60, depending which of the three runs you sign up for.

The run will start on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 9 a.m., and hopefully all the runners will be through their respective courses in time to enjoy the awards ceremony.

You get the traditional event T-shirt, and the top three finishers in each classification will receive medals.

Register, and pick up your “Run the Dam” packets either Friday or Saturday. Late registrations will take place at Banks Lake Park, next to North Dam.

You can park at North Dam Park and catch the shuttle race day to the starting point, right near where the tour of the dam begins at the east end of the dam.

The races are an out-and-back run, with the exception of the 5k. The 5k run goes over the top of the dam, then south to Banks Lake Park. The other distance runs will continue past Banks Lake Park, through Electric City to their turnaround points, which will be marked.

Refreshment stations will be conveniently located for the runners.

The Harvest Festival also features the PNWBA BBQ competition, a “human foosball” tournament, the Gathering of Wellness Powwow, and the Motorcycle Poker Run.

Save the dates, Sept 15-17 for the event!

Want to help?

The call is out for volunteers to aid in the multiple tasks of putting on the event. You can volunteer by calling (509) 631-0950, or by email (info@runthedam.com).