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Run Crazy Horse Marathon

Hill City, SD
Sunday, October 4, 2026


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Course Description
The Run Crazy Horse Marathon course has a net elevation loss with two significant downhills and one long downhill.

The course rises for nearly two miles from the start at approximately a 1.25% grade. For the next 7.5 miles the course descends almost 800 feet (2% downhill grade). After a mile mile flat section around the turn-around point, the course rises nearly 600 feet for the next 6.25 miles. The course then drops 900 feet over the last 9.5 miles (2%) to the finish.

The race starts at the Crazy Horse Memorial. The first 3 miles are within the Memorial Grounds. Participants will pass by the old schoolhouse and loop out to the bus turnaround at the base of the Crazy Horse Carving. At mile 3, the course becomes the Mickelson Trail. Runners finish on Main Street in Hill City The last half of the course is an out and back mainly on the Mickelson Trail.

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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Sunday, October 4, 2026
2025: Sunday, October 5, 2025

Course Information

Profile: Very Hilly
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: Yes

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 47°F (8°C)
Average High: 64°F (17°C)
Average Low: 31° F (0°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 94.37
Course Score: 94.37

Race Size

2025: 135 Finishers
2024: 127 Finishers
2023: 105 Finishers
2022: 91 Finishers
2021: 99 Finishers
2020: 121 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2025: 2.2%
2024: 3.2%
2023: 5.7%
2022: 7.7%
2021: 3%
2020: 7.4%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 16 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 62°F  (17°C)
Low: 38°F  (3°C)

Race Start Conditions

46°F  (8°C)
Humidity: 61%

Clear
W 6 mph

PR Score

94.33

Course Score

94.37






Run Crazy Horse Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Run Crazy Horse Marathon was the 319th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 322nd largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 2.2% of Run Crazy Horse Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 3.2% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Run Crazy Horse Marathon ranked 404th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 368th in 2024. In South Dakota, it ranked 5th in 2025 and 4th in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Run Crazy Horse Marathon has a Course Score of 94.37, ranking it as the 439th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 5th fastest marathon course in South Dakota.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Run Crazy Horse Marathon a PR Score of 94.37. The PR Score ranks the Run Crazy Horse Marathon as the 430th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 5th best marathon for a PR in South Dakota.

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

Run Crazy Horse Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed439th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 5th fastest marathon course in South Dakota
Top 96% Nationally#5 of 6 in South Dakota
PR Potential430th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 5th best marathon for a PR in South Dakota
Top 94% Nationally#5 of 6 in South Dakota
Boston Qualifier Rate404th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 5th highest BQ percentage in South Dakota
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 85% Nationally#5 of 6 in South Dakota
Race Size319th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd largest marathon in South Dakota
Based on 2025 results
Top 54% Nationally#3 of 6 in South Dakota

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



Elevation Chart

Max Elevation: 6085 feet (1855m)
Min Elevation: 4984 feet (1519m)


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Compare the Run Crazy Horse Marathon to other Marathons

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