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Leading Ladies Marathon

Spearfish, SD
Sunday, August 23, 2026


  5 Stars from 4 Reviews

Course Description
The Leading Ladies Marathon course starts at 6,000 feet and runs downhill into Spearfish losing 2,400 feet down to a finishing elevation just above 3,600 feet. As with any of the significantly downhill races like this, managing pacing and reducing braking is very important in hitting goal times on this potentially "quad-busting" course.

Temperatures at the start line may be about ten degrees lower than in Spearfish, but as you progress down the the course, temperatures could reach into the upper 60s and low 70s during the race.

August Other Marathons in August Other Marathons in South Dakota Marathons near Spearfish, SD



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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Sunday, August 23, 2026
2025: Sunday, August 17, 2025

Course Information

Profile: Downhill
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 67°F (19°C)
Average High: 83°F (28°C)
Average Low: 51° F (10°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 99.88
Course Score: 101.54

Race Size

2025: 125 Finishers
2024: 137 Finishers
2023: 98 Finishers
2022: 89 Finishers
2021: 82 Finishers
2020: 104 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2025: 11.2%
2024: 20.4%
2023: 29.6%
2022: 28.1%
2021: 9.8%
2020: 30.8%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 9 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 83°F  (28°C)
Low: 60°F  (16°C)

Race Start Conditions

62°F  (17°C)
Humidity: 73%

Clear
SSW 8 mph

PR Score

85.42

Course Score

87.34






Leading Ladies Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Leading Ladies Marathon was the 332nd largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 308th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 11.2% of Leading Ladies Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 20.4% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Leading Ladies Marathon ranked 117th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 47th in 2024. In South Dakota, it ranked 3rd in 2025 and 2nd in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Leading Ladies Marathon has a Course Score of 101.54, ranking it as the 22nd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest marathon course in South Dakota.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Leading Ladies Marathon a PR Score of 99.88. The PR Score ranks the Leading Ladies Marathon as the 36th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 2nd best marathon for a PR in South Dakota.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Leading Ladies Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and South Dakota for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Leading Ladies Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed22nd fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd fastest marathon course in South Dakota
Top 5% Nationally#2 of 6 in South Dakota
PR Potential36th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd best marathon for a PR in South Dakota
Top 8% Nationally#2 of 6 in South Dakota
Boston Qualifier Rate117th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd highest BQ percentage in South Dakota
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 25% Nationally#3 of 6 in South Dakota
Race Size332nd largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 4th largest marathon in South Dakota
Based on 2025 results
Top 56% Nationally#4 of 6 in South Dakota

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 6065 feet (1849m)
Min Elevation: 3669 feet (1118m)

Elevation Gain: 353 feet (107m)
Elevation Loss: 2604 feet (793m)


Leading

Course updated 06/11/2026




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Race Reviews


5.0
Based on 4 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Worth the trip!

Full Review:

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!

Race Tips:

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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

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.
Reviewed by Andrea from Florida About 2024

A hidden gem!

Full Review:

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.

Race Tips:

Point to point. Downhill. Size up your shoe half a size as you will be downhill most of the day.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I always do race day pick up. Works well.
Reviewed by Nathan About 2024

Full Review:

Nice course. Needed more portapotties and volunteers at each water stop.

Race Tips:

First mile and turnaround at around 11 are uphill, go easy on those

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Stay in Spearfish, take bus to start from park
Reviewed by Wr About 2016

Full Review:

Small crowd, downhill, and gorgeous! (All women- sorry, guys!)

Race Tips:

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!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

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!
Reviewed by SLH About 2012