Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
I have ran 21 marathons and this is one of my absolute favorites. Beautiful course. Gentle downhill. A few small hills and some gravel miles to break up the monotony. You finish in Spearfish Park, which is beautiful. And Spearfish Canyon is mesmerizing. Very good signage and good water stations throughout the course. The only negative is that it is a small marathon, so you can find yourself running by yourself at times. So wear your pace watch. Overall, I hidden jem. Highly would recommend it.
Point to point. Downhill. Size up your shoe half a size as you will be downhill most of the day.
I always do race day pick up. Works well.
I loved the course and support. Everyone in the race and all of the volunteers were very friendly. Even the people in Spearfish were awesome. The course was mostly downhill. I didn't love running on the open road, but traffic wasn't too bad. We were lucky with a beautiful day, although it was pretty warm by the end. It was still cooler than my summer training!
I drove my care to the City Park to catch the shuttle. I was glad I did because the one from the host hotel was full. The race organizers were able to pivot and send the less than full busses to get them.
The host hotel was very accommodating. I spearfish was close enough to Devil's Tower NP, Mt. Rushmore NP, Wind Cave NP and Custer SP where I got to see lots of bison! This was a great experience and absolutely worth the trip , especially if you're trying to do a marathon or half in each state.
Nice course. Needed more portapotties and volunteers at each water stop.
First mile and turnaround at around 11 are uphill, go easy on those
Stay in Spearfish, take bus to start from park
Small crowd, downhill, and gorgeous! (All women- sorry, guys!)
Can be very cold at start- be prepared to ditch clothes right before the race begins. There is a decent hill around mile 12-be prepared!
Race is still small enough that you can stay at any hotel and have someone drive you right to the start. The Lodge at Deadwood is hands down the best local place to stay. If you're coming to also enjoy the Black Hills- splurge for a local cabin- you won't be sorry!