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May 15, 2024

Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.9

Organization 4.7

Spectators 3.5

Number of comments: 110 [displaying comments 91 to 101]

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Charlie Gregory from Marietta, Georgia, U SA (6/10/2004) "Up there with Big Sur in scenery" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 I came early to see Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park. Breathtaking scenery. Deadwood is a really neat town, the theme being Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane who are buried next to each other in the local cemetery. The expo was well organized and the packet pick-up was easy. Great pasta dinner the night before the race. The race was at high altitude and supposed to be uphill the first half, but I did not notice it. I did notice the heat which was very unusual. It was nice and shady most of the race but near the end it was very hot in the open areas. The scenery along the trail was spectacular. I have never seen anything quite like it. The support stops were adequate but for the hot weather but I always wear a water bottle so I didn't have a problem. It was 93 degrees as I finished on Main St. in Deadwood and it got to 103 later on. This race will become so popular in years to come that they will not be able to handle the number of runners that want to run it and have to limit the number of runners quite a bit. The shirt was long-sleeve with Wild Bill and Calamity Jane on the front running the trail. The medal was a miniature of Wild Bill and Jane and made of some type of local stone. Really neat. Can't say enough good about it. The worst being the all-day flight getting to Rapid City and back home via MSP.
Dave McNaughton from St. Louis, Missouri (6/10/2004) "Scenic Trail Running" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This run was a scenic trail marathon (point-to-point, 45-minute bus trip to start at 5,000-foot altitude). The carved alabaster medal was unique, but the weather was hot (80-90's) when most finishers came in. The organization was good, however the aid/water stations(11-12 total) needed more food (only pretzels) and types of liquids (only Powerade and water available) for slow trail ultra-running types like me. Lots of places to spend tourist time; Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Devil's Tower, Badlands... real Old West atmosphere is alive in Deadwood with simulated shootouts, costumed street actors and saloons. However, easy to lose money in the abundant casinos. Half-marathon option for those less inclined. Great volunteers and the town was friendly.
Bob Shooer from Pittsburgh, PA (6/10/2004) "Absolutely Sensational!" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was by far the most positive marathon experience I have ever had. Ranging from the hospitality of the residents of Deadwood, to the magnificant course and challange of the marathon itself, this was a first-class event. There was a camaraderie between participants, staff and volunteers that until then has been unprecedented in my marathon career. While the trail could not accommodate many spectators, the ones that were present were enthusiastic and very motivating! Congratulations to Jerry Dunn for this world-class event. I'm already looking forward to 2005!
J. S. from Louisville, KY (6/9/2004) "Beautiful course and friendly aid stations" (about: 2004) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I agree with R.L. comments, the rails to trails course is as nice as I've seen. Race was professionally organized and well run. I think this will become a large marathon very quickly. The only two negatives, besides the heat, were: 1) even though there were only 500 marathoners, we were bused to the start line an hour and a half before the race started and 2) $10 is charged if you want a finisher certificate, $5 for the certificate and $5 for shipping, I'd rather this be included in the price of the marathon. Thansk for a great run.
R. B. from Watertwon, S.D. (6/9/2004) "Beautiful scenery, wonderful trail marathon" (about: 2004) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was a challenging, well-organized marathon. The first 13 miles were uphill - usually minimal with a 3% grade. However, it did get a little challenging. Unfortunately, it was hot on race day. When I finished, at about 11:00 AM, it was 94 degrees. Don't expect a PR on this course, but the scenery, support and beauty of the Black Hills was well worth it! The marathon was run on a well-groomed trail which was easy on the body. This is a great place to bring the family, spend a few days on vacation and see some tourist spots (Mount Rushmore, etc). It was a great race and I would recommend it!
Leslye Johnson from New Orleans, LA (6/9/2004) "Beautiful Course" (about: 2004) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Deadwood Mickelson Marathon was my 8th marathon and 5th state, and it was by far the most scenic of all. It was challenging, but I took my time and enjoyed the scenery, grass gently blowing in the breeze, wild flowers, butterflies and even a bird sitting along the course. I was able to hear the wind through the trees and other sounds of nature. There were views of the mountains in the distance, streams and bridges, beautiful homes in the distance and some homes just off the trail. You must carry water with you, water stops were every 2 miles of so and porta-potties were few and far between. Spectators were at the intersecting roads but along the trail it was just nature and other runners. We had to get to the start early and wait, I would have preferred to start at 6am because it got hot early. All in all, it was the best scenic marathon I've ever done and truly the most best kept secret. If you have the opportunity, I recommend it highly.
Laurence Macon from San Antonio,Texas (6/7/2004) "Better than the HBO Mini-Series" (about: 2004) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The Course: Through breathtaking forest in the Black Hills. The Running Surface: Crushed granite. The Change in Elevation: Gentle climb for the first 13 miles, then significant downhill through 26 (except for the surprise hill at 19). Sites when not Running: Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument. Organization: Superb, thanks to Jerry Dunn & Waylen Bray. The Town: Very happy to see us. The Weather: Oops - the bad news - a record-breaking 90+ degrees, but out of the race director's control.
R. L. from Seattle (6/7/2004) "Heat, altitude, and beautiful running" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Drop dead gorgeous run... but very difficult in 95-degree heat and, for those of us from sea level, high altitude. Also, the first 13 miles are relentlessly uphill. Add 15-20 minutes to your normal marathon time (or in my case, 30 minutes). Also note that the aid stations are pretty far apart during the first 20 miles... about 2.5 miles between each one. With the layout of the trail, I don't think they could add more. So, especially with the heat, consider bringing a fuel belt or a bottle to carry extra. I wish that I had done this. Great scenery overall in the area, and Deadwood is a nifty town; just be ready for casinos. Everything is a casino. Even the local grocery store has slot machines. Another comment below mentions the lack of options for carbo loading. 'Better head to Rapid City'. Folks, this is a miracle of understatement. Unless you want to eat THE BEST STEAK IN TOWN (lots of restaurants purport to offer this) at a restaurant inside a smoky casino, your options are few. Anyway, the run itself is very well organized and beautiful. Aid stations are well-stocked with Powerade (no Ultima - woohoo!), and some with snacks. Very friendly volunteers. Crowds were light because this is a trail marathon. But when you encountered spectators (like when the trail crossed a road), they were great. It helped that our bibs had our names prominently printed on them. Nice to hear my name, especially in a place where I don't know anyone. And thankfully, nobody was saying 'you're almost there' at mile 3! If I do it again, I'll probably stick with the half... it's run on the second half of the marathon course and is all downhill.
G. R. from Saskatchewan, Canada (9/29/2003) "Highly scenic trail race" (about: 2003) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I loved this marathon! It's virtually all on the Mikkelson Trail, which has an ideal surface to run on. Not too hard, not too soft! You run past trickling creeks and black cliffs. Absolutely gorgeous! Don't expect a PR - the first half is all uphill, but so gradual you can't see it. Your legs will know though - my quads were screaming. The last half is a blast, with more elevation loss than gain. If you don't live at altitude, that will slow you down too - it's all at about 4,000 to 6,000 feet elevation. The organization is terrific - these guys pay attention to detail. Deadwood is a tough town to carbo-load in - better to head to Rapid City.
J. C. from Loveland, Colorado (6/20/2003) "Beautiful course and scenery!" (about: 2003) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon, and what a great way to start! The ascent was very gentle and not very noticable, as you had so much else to look at and think about! Not many spectators, but the ones that were there were fabulous! Jerry Dunn is a wonderful person, and does a great job organizing this race. Weather was perfectly cool, and the packed gravel trail is easy on those legs. May need more portable toilets at the start next time, expecially if the race gets any bigger. I'm planning to attempt it again next year, and I think my family may try and make this one their inaugural marathon as well! Thanks for a great time!

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