Black Hills Veterans March and Marathon
About the Event
BLACK HILLS VETERAN’S HONOR MARCH AND MARATHON
The Black Hills Veteran’s Honor March was conceived in 2002 as a way to honor the sacrifices of the nation’s servicemen and women. The 26.2-mile march takes place in the picturesque Black Hills National Forest on the Mickelson Trail. The March is held on a weekend at the end of September.
The March, which is conducted under the auspices of the South Dakota National Guard Enlisted Association (SDNGEA), grew out of an idea that originated from some South Dakota Army National Guard soldiers who had participated in the Bataan Memorial Death March. It was during the long ride home from White Sands, New Mexico that the idea of a commemorative march could be held to honor all Veterans and that the Black Hills would be a perfect place to hold such an event. Since the Bataan Memorial Death March takes place in late March or April, the consensus was that this new event should be held later in the year.
On September 21, 2002, seven members of the Army National Guard traveled to Deadwood, SD, and set out to reconnoiter the proposed march route and establish sites for water points, rest stops, and lodging requirements. Ted Deloy, Michael Jones, Matt Lacroix, Ben Lamp, Jeff Nord, Ben Smetana, and Mark Thomas were members of the recon team and laid the foundation for this event. The route today closely matches the original route from Rochford to Deadwood, the only change being the decision to end at the Rodeo grounds as compared to main street Deadwood.
After completing the dry run in September 2002, the marchers compiled notes and ideas. Due to mobilization in 2003, the idea had to wait to be presented to the SDNGEA at the state conference in April 2004. The decision was made to have the inaugural march start in September 2004.
Since its inception, the memorial march has grown to hundreds of marchers from across the United States. Events are offered in Team Military and Civilian, Individual Military and Civilian, Heavy Military (with a 35lb Rucksack), Marathon, Mini-March, Team Mini-March, and now 110 Mile Endurance March.
Join fellow runners on September 16, 2026 for the Black Hills Veterans March and Marathon. It's a fantastic Ultra, Marathon, 25.7K featuring a flat and fast course in Deadwood.
Races Offered
Walking
110 Endurance March
Embark on an unforgettable journey where you forge lasting friendships, build unwavering confidence, and push your physical and mental limits. Join us for a 110-mile endurance march through the stunning Black Hills of South Dakota. Starting in Edgemont and ending in Deadwood, you’ll traverse the scenic George S. Mickelson Trail. This exhilarating and challenging trek takes you through picturesque pine forests, crossing over 100 converted railroad bridges and passing through four rock tunnels, all on a trail of crushed limestone and gravel. This march is extremely challenging, so team participation is required. Each team must have at least three marchers and one support volunteer. The memories and friendships made on the trail are priceless!
Running
Full March Individual (26.2 Miles)
The Full March and Marathon is a 26.2-mile march on the Mickelson Trail. The March begins at 8:00 am at the Rochford Trailhead and ends at the Days of ’76 Rodeo Grounds in Deadwood. There are multiple rest stops (one every 3-5 miles) along the way for refueling on food, drink, and motivation. Buses load at 6:45 am and depart the Rodeo Grounds 7:00 am SHARP.
Mini March Individual (16.0 Miles)
Don’t let the name fool you – the Mini March is a significant challenge! This 16-mile event kicks off at 10 am from the Dumont Trailhead. Participants will journey along the scenic Mickelson Trail, pass through the historic city of Deadwood, and finish at the Days of ’76 Rodeo Grounds. Buses load at 8:45 am and depart at 9:00 am! Test Your Endurance – Exercise Your Patriotism!
Full March (5-Person Coed Relay)
The Full March Relay is a 26.2-mile run on the Mickelson Trail. The Race begins at 8:00 am at the Rochford Trailhead and ends at the Days of ’76 Rodeo Grounds in Deadwood. There are multiple rest stops (one every 3-5 miles) along the way for refueling on food, drink, and motivation. Buses load at 6:45 am and depart the Rodeo Grounds 7:00 am SHARP. Relay Runner #1 will start at Rochford with a chipped bid to start their Relay's time. All other relay members must provide transportation to the assigned Relay Exchange Points. Runner #5 must have a chipped bib to establish the team's finish time and score the team.
Full March (Military Uniformed Heavy (35lbs Pack))
The Full March and Marathon is a 26.2-mile march on the Mickelson Trail. The March begins at 8:00 am at the Rochford Trailhead and ends at the Days of ’76 Rodeo Grounds in Deadwood. There are multiple rest stops (one every 3-5 miles) along the way for refueling on food, drink, and motivation. Buses load at 6:45 am and depart the Rodeo Grounds 7:00 am SHARP. Marchers in the heavy division must have a minimum of 35 pounds in their rucksacks/backpacks, which will be weighed and verified at the finish line.
Full March (Military Uniformed)
The Full March and Marathon is a 26.2-mile march on the Mickelson Trail. The March begins at 8:00 am at the Rochford Trailhead and ends at the Days of ’76 Rodeo Grounds in Deadwood. There are multiple rest stops (one every 3-5 miles) along the way for refueling on food, drink, and motivation. Buses load at 6:45 am and depart the Rodeo Grounds 7:00 am SHARP. Participants MUST be in full uniform during the opening ceremony at the start of the march and the finish line. Only uniform tops and headgear may be removed along the route as desired BUT MUST BE CARRIED. Boots may not be exchanged for any other footgear along the route. Footwear is limited to military service-recognized boots.
Full March (Veteran)
The Full March and Marathon is a 26.2-mile march on the Mickelson Trail. The March begins at 8:00 am at the Rochford Trailhead and ends at the Days of ’76 Rodeo Grounds in Deadwood. There are multiple rest stops (one every 3-5 miles) along the way for refueling on food, drink, and motivation. Buses load at 6:45 am and depart the Rodeo Grounds 7:00 am SHARP.
Marathon Individual (26.2 Miles)
The Marathon is a 26.2-mile run on the Mickelson Trail. The race begins at 8:00 am at the Rochford Trailhead and ends at the Days of ’76 Rodeo Grounds in Deadwood. There are multiple rest stops (one every 3-5 miles) along the way for refueling on food, drink, and motivation. Buses load at 6:45 am and depart the Rodeo Grounds 7:00 am SHARP.
Full March 5-Person Team (Coed)
The Full March and Marathon is a 26.2-mile march on the Mickelson Trail. The March begins at 8:00 am at the Rochford Trailhead and ends at the Days of ’76 Rodeo Grounds in Deadwood. There are multiple rest stops (one every 3-5 miles) along the way for refueling on food, drink, and motivation. Buses load at 6:45 am and depart the Rodeo Grounds 7:00 am SHARP. Teams will consist of five members. All members should stay together during the entire course. Any team finishing with less than five members will be disqualified. We want to emphasize the team concept and keep teams together. Team time is established when the last team member crosses the finish line.
Full March 5-Person Coed Team (Military Uniformed)
The Full March and Marathon is a 26.2-mile march on the Mickelson Trail. The March begins at 8:00 am at the Rochford Trailhead and ends at the Days of ’76 Rodeo Grounds in Deadwood. There are multiple rest stops (one every 3-5 miles) along the way for refueling on food, drink, and motivation. Buses load at 6:45 am and depart the Rodeo Grounds 7:00 am SHARP. Teams will consist of five members. All members should stay together during the entire course. Any team finishing with fewer than five members will be disqualified. We want to emphasize the team concept and keep teams together. Team time is established when the last team member crosses the finish line.
Full March 5-Person Female Team (Military Uniformed)
The Full March and Marathon is a 26.2-mile march on the Mickelson Trail. The March begins at 8:00 am at the Rochford Trailhead and ends at the Days of ’76 Rodeo Grounds in Deadwood. There are multiple rest stops (one every 3-5 miles) along the way for refueling on food, drink, and motivation. Buses load at 6:45 am and depart the Rodeo Grounds 7:00 am SHARP. Teams will consist of five members. All members should stay together during the entire course. Any team finishing with fewer than five members will be disqualified. We want to emphasize the team concept and keep teams together. Team time is established when the last team member crosses the finish line.
Full March 5-Person Male Team (Military Uniformed)
The Full March and Marathon is a 26.2-mile march on the Mickelson Trail. The March begins at 8:00 am at the Rochford Trailhead and ends at the Days of ’76 Rodeo Grounds in Deadwood. There are multiple rest stops (one every 3-5 miles) along the way for refueling on food, drink, and motivation. Buses load at 6:45 am and depart the Rodeo Grounds 7:00 am SHARP. Teams will consist of five members. All members should stay together during the entire course. Any team finishing with fewer than five members will be disqualified. We want to emphasize the team concept and keep teams together. Team time is established when the last team member crosses the finish line.
Mini March 5-Person Team (Coed)
Don’t let the name fool you – the Mini March is a significant challenge! This 16-mile event kicks off at 10 am from the Dumont Trailhead. Participants will journey along the scenic Mickelson Trail, pass through the historic city of Deadwood, and finish at the Days of ’76 Rodeo Grounds. Buses load at 8:45 am and depart at 9:00 am! Test Your Endurance – Exercise Your Patriotism! Teams will consist of five members. All members should stay together throughout the course. Any team finishing with fewer than five members will be disqualified. We want to emphasize the team concept and keep teams together. Team time is established when the last team member crosses the finish line.
Mini March 5-Person Team (Female)
Don’t let the name fool you – the Mini March is a significant challenge! This 16-mile event kicks off at 10 am from the Dumont Trailhead. Participants will journey along the scenic Mickelson Trail, pass through the historic city of Deadwood, and finish at the Days of ’76 Rodeo Grounds. Buses load at 8:45 am and depart at 9:00 am! Test Your Endurance – Exercise Your Patriotism! Teams will consist of five members. All members should stay together throughout the course. Any team finishing with fewer than five members will be disqualified. We want to emphasize the team concept and keep teams together. Team time is established when the last team member crosses the finish line.
Mini March 5-Person Team (Male)
Don’t let the name fool you – the Mini March is a significant challenge! This 16-mile event kicks off at 10am from the Dumont Trailhead. Participants will journey along the scenic Mickelson Trail, pass through the historic city of Deadwood, and finish at the Days of ’76 Rodeo Grounds. Buses load at 8:45 am and depart at 9:00 am! Test Your Endurance – Exercise Your Patriotism! Teams will consist of five members. All members should stay together throughout the course. Any team finishing with fewer than five members will be disqualified. We want to emphasize the team concept and keep teams together. Team time is established when the last team member crosses the finish line.
Virtual Full March Race
The Virtual March is a 26.2-mile March and must be completed in one day. Virtual March must occur from 1 September 2025 until 20 September 2025
About Deadwood
Black Hills Veterans March and Marathon takes place in Deadwood, South Dakota, United States. The local timezone is America/Denver.
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Race information has been sourced from the event's official website and other publicly available resources. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website directly. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, don't hesitate to reach out to us by email.
