Table of contents
- Event Overview and History
- Race Options and Categories
- Detailed Course Description
- Race Weekend Schedule and Events
- Registration Information and Fees
- Transportation and Logistics
- Accommodation Options
- Local Attractions and Making a Vacation of It
- Your Home Base for the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon
- Related Articles
The Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon stands as one of the most scenic marathon events in the United States, offering runners a unique opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of South Dakota’s Black Hills. This point-to-point race takes participants along the historic Mickelson Trail from the hamlet of Rochford to the legendary town of Deadwood. With multiple race options, including the full Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon, Deadwood Half Marathon, relay teams, 5K, and kids’ 1K, this premier event caters to runners of all abilities and experience levels. What makes this race truly special is the opportunity to run through sacred Lakota Sioux land before finishing in the National Historic Landmark town of Deadwood, creating an unforgettable experience that combines natural beauty with rich cultural history.
Event Overview and History
The Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon has established itself as one of the Midwest’s premier running events since its inception. This USATF-certified course serves as a Boston Marathon qualifier, attracting serious runners looking to achieve qualifying times in a unique setting. The marathon follows the converted railroad bed of the historic Mickelson Trail, named after Governor George S. Mickelson, who was instrumental in transforming the abandoned Burlington Northern rail line into a public trail in the 1990s.
Typically held in early June, the Deadwood Mickelson half marathon takes advantage of the region’s pleasant early summer weather, though runners should be prepared for variable conditions in the Black Hills. The race has gained a reputation for its exceptional organization, stunning scenery, and challenging yet rewarding course profile.
Race Options and Categories
The Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon weekend offers several race options to accommodate runners of different abilities and preferences:
Full Marathon (26.2 miles)
The flagship event of the weekend takes place on Sunday morning, beginning in Rochford and following the Mickelson Trail to Deadwood. With a participant cap to ensure quality experience, the full marathon starts early to give runners ample time to complete the course before the afternoon heat builds. All finishers receive commemorative medals, with additional awards presented to top performers in various age categories.
Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
The Deadwood Mickelson half marathon begins at the marathon’s halfway point near Dumont, joining the same course to finish in Deadwood. This option has become increasingly popular for those wanting to experience the most scenic downhill portions of the trail without committing to the full 26.2 miles. The Deadwood Half Marathon follows the same award structure as the full marathon, with age group recognition and finisher medals.
Marathon Relay
Teams of 2-5 runners can participate in the marathon relay, dividing the 26.2-mile course into manageable segments. Exchange points are strategically located along the course, with transportation provided to relay runners. This option offers a great way to experience the Deadwood marathon as a group or family.
5K Race
Held on Saturday, the day before the main events, the 5K provides a shorter option that still captures the beauty of the area. This event takes place on a section of the trail near Deadwood, making it accessible for spectators and supporters.
Kids’ 1K
Also held on Saturday, the Kids’ 1K encourages young runners to participate in the weekend festivities. This family-friendly event typically takes place near the finish area in Deadwood.
For all events, pets and strollers are not permitted on the course due to safety considerations and trail regulations. Each race has its own award structure, with all participants receiving event t-shirts and finishers earning medals. Age group awards are presented three deep in five-year increments for both the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon and Deadwood Half Marathon.
Detailed Course Description
The Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon course offers runners a unique journey through the heart of the Black Hills, with varying terrain that presents both challenges and rewards.
Starting Point to Mile 13.5: The Uphill Journey
The Deadwood Mickelson half marathon begins in the small hamlet of Rochford, where runners start on a paved road for approximately 1.5 miles before joining the Mickelson Trail. This initial section allows the field to spread out before narrowing onto the trail. Once on the Mickelson Trail, participants encounter a gentle but persistent uphill grade for the first half of the race. The trail surface consists of packed crushed limestone, which provides solid footing while being gentler on joints than asphalt.
During this first half, runners pass through dense pine forests with occasional clearings that offer spectacular views of the surrounding Black Hills. The trail gradually climbs about 800 feet in elevation over these first 13.5 miles, reaching the highest point of the course at Dumont, which sits at approximately 6,200 feet above sea level.
Miles 13.5 to 19: The Reward Begins
After reaching the halfway point—which also serves as the starting line for Deadwood Mickelson half marathon participants—runners are rewarded with a primarily downhill second half. From miles 13.5 to 19, the course features a moderate downhill grade that allows runners to pick up their pace while recovering from the first half’s climb. This section includes some of the most scenic portions of the trail, including passages through old railroad tunnels and over restored trestle bridges that offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
Miles 19.6 to 20: The Steep Descent
Between miles 19.6 and 20, runners encounter the steepest downhill section of the course, which requires careful footing and controlled running to navigate safely. This short but technical section drops rapidly before leveling out for the final approach to Deadwood.
Miles 20 to Finish: The Final Stretch
The final 6.2 miles continue the overall downhill trend but include some flat sections and small rollers as the trail approaches Deadwood. The course follows the path of Whitewood Creek, passing through a mix of forested areas and open meadows. As runners approach the historic mining town, they begin to see glimpses of Deadwood’s Victorian architecture before making their way to the finish line at the historic Engine House at the Deadwood Trailhead.
Throughout the entire course, aid stations are positioned approximately every two miles, offering water, electrolyte drinks, and light snacks. Medical support is available at key points along the route, with more comprehensive medical facilities at the finish area.
The Deadwood Mickelson half marathon course covers the second half of the full marathon route, beginning at Dumont and following the same path to Deadwood. This option allows participants to experience the most scenic and predominantly downhill portions of the trail.
Race Weekend Schedule and Events
The Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon weekend offers a full schedule of activities for participants and their supporters:
Friday
The weekend kicks off with packet pickup at The Lodge at Deadwood, the official host hotel. Runners can collect their race bibs, t-shirts, and participant bags from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The race expo also opens during this time, featuring vendors offering running gear, nutrition products, and information about other regional races.
Saturday
Saturday’s activities begin with the 5K race in the morning, followed by the Kids’ 1K run. Packet pickup continues from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM for marathon, half-marathon, and relay participants who couldn’t make Friday’s session.
The highlight of Saturday evening is the traditional pre-race pasta buffet held at The Lodge at Deadwood from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This optional dinner (additional fee applies) provides runners with a carbohydrate-rich meal before race day and offers an opportunity to socialize with fellow participants. The buffet typically includes various pasta options, salads, bread, and desserts, with vegetarian choices available.
A mandatory pre-race briefing for first-time participants takes place during the pasta dinner, covering important course information, safety procedures, and last-minute updates.
Sunday: Race Day
Marathon day begins early, with buses departing from the finish area at the Days of 76 Rodeo Grounds in Deadwood to transport runners to their respective start lines. Full marathon buses typically depart between 5:00 AM and 5:30 AM, while half marathon buses leave between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM.
The marathon starts at 8:00 AM in Rochford, with the half-marathon beginning at 10:00 AM from Dumont. Both races finish at the same location in Deadwood, where a festive atmosphere awaits finishers.
The post-race celebration at Outlaw Square includes food and beverages for participants, live music, and the awards ceremony. Runners can enjoy a selection of local food options, craft beers, and recovery drinks while sharing race experiences with fellow participants. The awards ceremony typically begins around 2:00 PM, recognizing overall winners and age group champions.
Registration Information and Fees
Registering for the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon requires advance planning, as the event often reaches capacity weeks before race day.
Registration Tiers and Deadlines
The registration process follows a tiered pricing structure:
- Early Bird Registration (typically open until January 31): Offers the lowest rates for all race categories
- Regular Registration (February 1 – April 30): Standard pricing
- Late Registration (May 1 until capacity is reached): Premium pricing if spots remain available
Fee Structure
While exact fees vary by year, participants can expect approximate costs as follows:
- Full Marathon: $90-$120 depending on registration period
- Half Marathon: $80-$110 depending on registration period
- Marathon Relay: $200-$250 per team depending on registration period
- 5K Race: $30-$40 depending on registration period
- Kids’ 1K: $15-$20
What’s Included with Registration
All registered participants receive:
- Official event technical t-shirt
- Finisher medal (for all race distances)
- Post-race food and beverages
- Bus transportation to start lines
- Chip timing
- Aid station support throughout the course
- Access to post-race festivities
Registration Limits
To maintain quality and adhere to trail capacity restrictions, the event enforces the following participant limits:
- Full Marathon: Approximately 500 runners
- Half Marathon: Approximately 1,500 runners
- Marathon Relay: Approximately 50 teams
- 5K Race: Approximately 300 runners
Refund and Transfer Policies
The Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon has a strict no-refund policy due to the advanced commitments required for event organization. However, they typically offer the following options:
- Participant-to-participant transfers (for a small administrative fee) until approximately two weeks before race day
- Deferral to the following year’s event (for a fee) if requested by a specified deadline
- Switching between race distances (subject to availability and potential fee differences) until approximately two weeks before race day
Registration is primarily handled through the official race website, with online registration being the preferred method. For those unable to register online, mail-in registration forms are available upon request.
Transportation and Logistics
Understanding the transportation logistics is crucial for a smooth race experience at the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon, particularly given its point-to-point course design.
Bus Transportation to Start Lines
The race organization provides mandatory bus transportation to both the marathon and half marathon start lines, as private drop-offs are not permitted due to limited parking and road access at the start areas.
Marathon buses depart from the Days of 76 Rodeo Grounds in Deadwood between 5:00 AM and 5:30 AM on race morning. The journey to Rochford takes approximately 45 minutes, giving runners ample time to prepare before the 8:00 AM start.
Half-marathon buses depart from the same location between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM, with approximately a 30-minute journey to the Dumont start line for the 10:00 AM start.
Bus transportation is included in the registration fee, and all participants must use this service. Runners are advised to arrive at the bus loading area at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Parking Options
Ample free parking is available at the Days of 76 Rodeo Grounds near the finish area in Deadwood. Participants and spectators are encouraged to park here on race morning, as this serves as both the bus loading zone and the finish area.
Additional parking can be found in Deadwood’s public parking garages, though these may charge a fee. For those staying at Deadwood hotels, many properties offer shuttle service to the race start/finish area.
Deadwood Trolley Service
Guests staying at Deadwood hotels can utilize the free Deadwood Trolley service, which operates throughout race weekend with extended hours on race day. The trolley makes regular stops at major hotels and the race finish area.
Post-Race Transportation
After finishing, runners can use the Deadwood Trolley to return to their hotels if staying in Deadwood. For those who parked at the Rodeo Grounds, the finish area is within walking distance of the parking area.
Driving Directions to Key Locations
- To Deadwood and Finish Area: From Interstate 90, take Exit 17 toward Deadwood on US-85 North. Follow US-85 for approximately 12 miles into Deadwood. Follow signs for the Days of 76 Rodeo Grounds.
- To Packet Pickup at The Lodge at Deadwood: From Interstate 90, take Exit 17 toward Deadwood on US-85 North. The Lodge at Deadwood is located on the right side of US-85 before reaching downtown Deadwood.
For spectators wanting to view runners at multiple points, the race organization provides a spectator guide with recommended viewing locations and driving directions to accessible points along the course, including relay exchange points.
Accommodation Options
Securing accommodations early is essential for the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon weekend, as the limited lodging options in this historic town fill quickly for the event.
Host Hotel: The Lodge at Deadwood
The Lodge at Deadwood serves as the official host hotel for the marathon weekend. Located just outside downtown Deadwood, this property offers several advantages for race participants:
- Convenient location for packet pickup and the pre-race pasta dinner
- Special marathon weekend rates (when booked using the race code)
- Complimentary shuttle service to/from the race start/finish area
- Restaurant and casino on-site
- Meeting spaces for race briefings and gatherings
Runners should book well in advance, as The Lodge typically sells out months before race weekend. When making reservations, mention the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon for special rates.
Deadwood Gulch Resort
Another popular option for runners, Deadwood Gulch Resort offers:
- Comfortable rooms and suites
- On-site restaurant
- Location near the Mickelson Trail
- Special marathon weekend packages
- Shuttle service to race events
Additional Deadwood Accommodations
Other recommended lodging options in Deadwood include:
- Historic Bullock Hotel
- Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort
- Holiday Inn Express Deadwood
- Comfort Inn & Suites
- Various historic bed and breakfasts throughout town
Most Deadwood properties are within a 5-10 minute drive of the race finish area, with many offering shuttle services during race weekend.
Camping Options
For those preferring outdoor accommodations, several camping options exist near Deadwood:
- Black Hawk Creek RV Park & Cabins – Offering both RV sites and cozy cabins just a scenic drive from Deadwood, this is an excellent option for runners who prefer a more natural setting while still having access to amenities
- Whistler Gulch Campground – Located in Deadwood with tent and RV sites
- Ponderosa Campground – Situated in nearby Lead with access to the Mickelson Trail
- Black Hills National Forest campgrounds – Several primitive and developed campgrounds within a 30-minute drive
Booking Recommendations
Due to the popularity of the event and limited accommodations in the area:
- Book at least 6-8 months in advance for the best selection and rates
- Consider staying in nearby Lead (3 miles) or Spearfish (15 miles) if Deadwood accommodations are full
- Look into long-term RV parks in South Dakota if planning an extended stay around the race
- Check the official race website for partner hotels offering special rates
- Consider sharing accommodations with other runners to reduce costs
Many participants choose to extend their stay beyond race weekend to explore the Black Hills region, making early booking even more important.
Local Attractions and Making a Vacation of It
The Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon offers the perfect opportunity to explore the Black Hills region. Consider extending your trip to experience these attractions:
Historic Deadwood
After recovering from your race, explore the town that hosted your finish line:
- Main Street Historic District with preserved Victorian architecture
- Adams Museum showcasing Black Hills history
- Mount Moriah Cemetery, final resting place of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane
- Saloon No. 10, site of Wild Bill Hickok’s murder
- Historic gaming halls offering blackjack, poker, and slot machines
- Deadwood Trolley tours providing historical context
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Located approximately 45 minutes from Deadwood, this iconic American monument features the 60-foot faces of presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln carved into the granite mountainside. The evening lighting ceremony is particularly moving.
Crazy Horse Memorial
This ongoing mountain carving project honors the legendary Lakota leader. When completed, it will be the world’s largest sculpture. The visitor center offers insights into Native American culture and history.
Custer State Park
One of America’s premier state parks features:
- Wildlife Loop Road with free-roaming bison, pronghorn, and burros
- Scenic Needles Highway with dramatic granite spires
- Sylvan Lake, a picturesque mountain lake perfect for post-race recovery walks
- Hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging
Spearfish Canyon
Just minutes from Deadwood, this limestone canyon offers:
- Scenic Byway with stunning views
- Bridal Veil and Roughlock Falls
- Gentle hiking trails ideal for post-marathon recovery
- Fly fishing opportunities in Spearfish Creek
Badlands National Park
About an hour east of Rapid City, the otherworldly landscape of eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires creates a lunar-like terrain. The Loop Road provides access to numerous viewpoints and short hiking trails.
Devils Tower National Monument
Cross into Wyoming (about 90 minutes from Deadwood) to visit America’s first national monument, a striking 867-foot stone column sacred to many Native American tribes.
Your Home Base for the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon
After challenging yourself on the scenic Deadwood Mickelson half marathon course, you deserve comfortable accommodations for recovery and relaxation. Located just a scenic 40-minute drive from Deadwood, Black Hawk Creek RV Park & Cabins offers the perfect home base for marathon participants and their supporters.
With spacious RV sites featuring full hookups and cozy cabins for those without an RV, Black Hawk Creek provides a peaceful retreat after your race day excitement. The park’s convenient location, just 5 minutes from Rapid City and 2 miles from the interstate, makes it ideal for exploring all the Black Hills attractions before or after your marathon adventure.
Whether you’re running the full event or the Deadwood Mickelson half marathon, Black Hawk Creek’s year-round accommodations provide the comfort and amenities you need for a successful race weekend. Book your stay today and give yourself the gift of convenience and comfort as you prepare to conquer the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon!
