With all that happens during the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout—set this year for August 26-30—it’s easy to forget that the Central Missouri event includes a Friday poker run backed by locally owned Poly-Lift Boat Lifts. The poker run offers a fine opportunity for performance-boat owners to “get out and stretch their legs” while helping raise money for the Shootout’s many charities, according Shootout executive director Leah Martin.
The Friday poker run is an important fundraising event during the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout. Image by Jeff Helmkamp copyright Helmkamp Photos.
In 2025, the 37th annual Lake of the Ozarks Shootout donated an event-record-setting $815,000 to local causes. Of that remarkable total, approximately $120,000 was generated by the poker run.
“The Poly Lift Shootout Poker Run is a staple for Shootout week,” Martin said. “It’s over 50 miles on the water. The event is a lot of fun, and it helps raise money for the Shootout charities.”
Not only can would-be participants register on line for the run as usual, this year the organizers will offer sign-ups during the Wednesday evening, Waves And Wheels-backed Shootout On The Strip street celebration presented by Waves and Wheels. Poker run registration also will be available this year during the Shootout Showcase boat-show the following day at Dog Days Bar and Grill.
This year, the Dog Days location also is the starting point for the Friday run.