South Dakota, the home of Mount Rushmore, is also home to some of the most beautiful half marathons courses in the country. Read on to see which ones make the cut as the best half marathons in South Dakota.
Brookings Half Marathon
The Brookings half marathon embodies the small-town charm of the city. The 400 entrant limit is typically full by mid-March, so be sure to register early if you want to guarantee your spot in the race. Click here to see race dates and details.
The Course
Here is how the event organizers describe the course:
“Our course takes runners through the best rural America has to offer: Parks, Gardens, Bike Paths, Historic Districts and South Dakota State University.”
True to their word, the first 11 miles take you through the Residential Historical District, four different parks, and South Dakota State University. From here, you will split off from the full marathon and make one more pass through the Residential Historic District before crossing the finish line at Pioneer Park.
Image Source: Brookings Marathon
Reviews
“The race director’s comments are spot on. Beautiful course with trees in bloom, the smell of lilacs along the course, and a plethora of volunteers to show you the way. Surprisingly, crowd support for a small town race was excellent. One of the better ones that I’ve run this year. I would do it again in a heartbeat.” — Tim Mullican, Marathonguide.com Review
“I thought the course was just perfect. I liked the small town atmosphere of the race. Volunteers were friendly and helpful. Temperatures in the 40’s but that is what I expected for South Dakota in May. Fan support was great. The streets weren’t lined with spectators but neither are my long training runs. Have recommended it to others and I plan on running it again next year. A very nice race.” — M.J., Marathonguide.com Review
Deadwood Mickelson Trail Half Marathon
This one’s for the purist. There won’t be any live bands, packs of spectators, or the usual city sights and sounds. It’s just you, Mother Nature, and the Earth beneath your feet. By far, the most endearing quality of this race is the breathtaking scenery. Click here to see race photos and registration info.
The Course
The half marathon course starts at the midpoint of the full marathon course. Both courses end at Deadwood, a small town with a rich history in mining. Unlike the full marathon course, the half marathon is almost all downhill.
Image Source: Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon
Reviews
“I have nothing but kind words to say about this race. Everything about it was awesome. The organization was superb with no glitches. Nice tech shirt, great finish medal, enthusiastic volunteers. This is the most scenic and peaceful marathon I’ve ever run. Running on the rail trail, surrounded by the Black Hills beauty, running by babbling brooks, over wooden bridges, pine trees, on a nice dirt path.” — V.D., Marathonguide.com Review
“Could not have been better! Had a rough start with the altitude, but I adjusted after 4-5 miles! It was so beautiful and peaceful! Greatest fluid stops ever! Very nice people! Want to go back! Keep up the good work! Of course, the weather cooperated and that helped!” — A.P., Marathonguide.com Review
Run Crazy Horse Half Marathon
Run Crazy Horse is put on by the same organizers as the Deadwood Mickelson Marathon, which means you’ll be attending an equally well-organized event. The only determining factor for choosing this race over the Deadwood Mickelson Marathon may be that you get to tell your friends you “ran Crazy Horse.” Click here to learn about the history of the name.
The Course
The race begins with a 3.5 mile loop around Crazy Horse Memorial and then continues onto the Mickelson Trail. The remainder of the course is on a gradual slope that leads you to the finish line in Hill City. Some runners have noted that strong winds are a possibility so be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Image Source: Run Crazy Horse
Reviews
“I was registered to run here in 2013 but a freak snow storm covered the area in 30 inches of snow and the race was cancelled. I was determined to return in 2014 and it was well worth the wait. Most of the course runs on a groomed trail that winds through the tall Ponderosa pines of the Black Hills. If you need spectators for inspiration then this is not your race but if you enjoy the quiet beauty of the woods and the spiritual experience of the Black Hills, then I highly reccommend you register today. There were plenty of friendly volunteers and more than enough water, powerade, Gu and porta-potty stops along the route. This was an extremely well run race and I hope to return again.” — J.G., Marathonguide.com Review
“Great small race, if you need lots of other runners around and tons of spectators this isn’t for you. Great organizations, plenty of water and volunteers and beautiful area.” — R.H., Marathonguide.com Review
Sioux Falls Half Marathon
The Sioux Falls Marathon is organized and run by a group of community leaders. Because of its grass roots, the event has stayed relatively small even though Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota. However, this hasn’t stopped them from showcasing the best that Sioux Falls has to offer. Click here to see the finisher’s medal.
The Course
The half marathon is a loop course that guides you through a variety of landmarks and parks in Sioux Falls. Check out this video for a virtual tour of the race.
Reviews
“I have nothing but good things to say about this race. The organization was exceptional. Great to stay in the Sheraton and walk to a very nice stadium starting line. Truly enjoyed a course that varied from wide open spaces to parks to downtown to a nicely shaded path. Volunteers were numerous and enthusiastic. Results were posted almost immediately. A great marathon experience.” — M.M., Marathonguide.com Review
“Great course, very scenic! Not a ton of crowd support, but it’s not a very large event. I personally liked the smaller field of runners and really enjoyed how well it was organized, the medals, and the finish!” — Alison Willford, Facebook Review
Leading Ladies’ Half Marathon – Spearfish
Ladies, this one’s for you. This all-female race is one of the most scenic in the state. Bring your mother, sisters, aunts and friends along for the journey and take time to reconnect amidst the natural beauty of the Black Hills. Click here for event details.
The Course
This is a downhill course that begins just north of Savoy and ends at the town of Spearfish. It starts at an elevation of 5000 ft and gradually drops to 3600 ft as you cross the finish line for a total elevation drop of 1400 ft. Be sure to take a moment to enjoy the Bridal Veil Falls shortly after the halfway point.
Image Source: Leading Ladies’ Marathon
Reviews
“People always ask me which is my favorite marathon, and this one definitely tops the list for scenery. The first few miles on the dirt road just after sunrise were gorgeous. Running through Spearfish Canyon with towering cliffs and the creek alongside is breathtaking, and made the lack of spectators a non-issue. The only downside is the heavily cambered road; my hips are still complaining 3 days later. The bus driver was awesome and let us sit and stretch on the bus until the start, the waterstop volunteers fantastic, and the finish line folks helpful. Great organization for a small race.” — L.G., Marathonguide.com Review
“Ladies, if you ever decide to do one marathon or half marathon, make it this one. A gentle downhill course, well stocked water stops (with powerade, water, bananas, oranges, pretzels and M&Ms), nice shirt and medal, top notch organization and scenery that will take your breath away! The weather was perfect, low 60s at the start, got into the 80s by the afternoon. No humidity, gorgeous blue skies all around. My only regret is that SD is quite a haul from the east coast, otherwise I would make this an annual race. The miles flew by as I took in the gorgeous scenery. The energy at the start and on the bus ride up to the start was something I have never experienced in any of my other 11 marathons: such excitement and camaraderie. You get a long stemmed rose as you cross the line….and take some time to stick around the Black Hills and do some sightseeing. It is a very interesting part of the country, full of stuff to do and fun for all ages.” — C.L., Marathonguide.com Review