Run the Dam expects record participation this weekend

Organizers for Run the Dam say registration this year has almost doubled over last year, with participants coming from all over the western U.S., B.C., and as far away as Texas and Florida. 

Executive Director Kelly Buche said she expects to surpass 500 sign-ups, a milestone that has been her goal since she took over in 2016.

That's thanks in part to a new marketing person, Buche said, but the run and the accompanying weekend festival is attracting more people by simple word of mouth, too. 

"The word is out," she said. "Run the Dam is quickly becoming a destination run."

Live music, beer garden and food trucks start Friday going from 4 to 10 p.m. in North Dam Park, with packet pickup happening that evening from 4 to 7 at adjacent Banks Lake Park.

The party continues with more food, drink and entertainment all day Saturday, from 10 in the morning until 10 at night in North Dam.

Of course, there's also the actual races - the 5K, 10K and half marathon. However long the journey, everyone starts out by crossing the Grand Coulee Dam, then making their way up the grueling stretch of Highway 155 informally known as "dam hill."

If you prefer two-wheeled travel, there's a poker run on Saturday, too, with signup at 9 a.m. at the beer garden. Participants collect a playing card at each stop on the run - eateries, bars and country mercantile stores - and the one who can make the best poker hand at the end of the day wins half of the pot from registration fees.

"It's a gorgeous new route this year," Buche said, which will take motorcyclists (or other automobile drivers, they're not too strict) up through Republic, Chesaw, Conconully and other towns to the north. 

Participants receive a T-shirt and a swag bag. If you're looking to volunteer, they may still need helpers at one of the aid stations along the half marathon route. Email info@runthedam.org to ask about volunteering.