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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 71 to 81]

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D. S. from Portland, Oregon (6/8/2006) "Great marathon and great vacation getaway." (about: 2006) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Jerry and his team put on a fantastic race. Everyone was super friendly at the expo, pasta party, during and after the race. The race director was at the finish line to shake everybody's hand as they crossed the line. My wife and I went over to South Dakota a few days early to do some sightseeing: Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Jewel Cave, Badlands, Gold Mine Tours, Deadwood... There's plenty to do. The race itself on the trail was excellent. With such a small field and few trailheads, there weren't many spectators. That's not a problem as it gives you a chance to look round at the beautiful scenery. If you're looking for a great vacation getaway and a marathon to go with it, I'd definitely recommend this one.
Dave Graves from Volga, S.D. (6/7/2006) "An unbeatable marathon" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is a great event in every possible way - from something as small as the plastic-coated safety pins for the bib numbers to the awesome creation of the Black Hills. The lush, green mountain meadows, pine-clad slopes, twisting creeks and beaver ponds help you realize that there are things more important than hitting every mile split on time. The race organization is outstanding. Jerry Dunn sets the standard. It was great to be able to listen to marathon trainer Jeff Galloway at a free clinic and relax for a while at the vendor fair the day before the run. The race itself is not easy - 13.5 miles uphill at 3 percent grade. But nearly all of the second half is downhill, and almost all of the race is on a crushed gravel bike path. This isn't a race that draws spectators, but who needs spectators when you can enjoy the beauty of a wilderness run. The race is big enough that there are plenty of family fans at various spectator junctions. The miles are well marked, and the aid stations are well stocked with water always on one side of the trail and energy drink on the other.
A. S. from The Great Northwest (6/6/2006) "A real letdown from 2005, but still a fine event." (about: 2006) 2 previous marathons \| 2 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I love this course. Its beauty can't be topped. I ran the race last year and was excited to do it again, however, I feel the quality of the race was diminished. First, the finish line was moved from downtown to a parking lot. THis made for a miserable mile 25. Instead of finishing on the unique, brick streets of Historic Deadwood, we ran past a trailer park into a parking lot that used pen gates as barriers. I don't know if the finish line downtown wasn't a possibility for whatever reason, but it certainly was more memorable than a dusty, ugly hotel parking lot. Second, the aid stations weren't nearly as well stocked as last year. Especially in the second half, when we really needed it. And I had trouble finding the water at the finish, which was frustrating. Third, I know the company was a sponsor, but the sports drink was undrinkable. I don't know if it was mixed wrong or not, but it tasted quite bad and I would have done anything for a Gatorade or Powerade as the morning heated up. I heard many a fellow racer complaining about this. The fans were great, the volunteers stellar and again, the course is lovely. I do hope they can pull together a better finish line for next year.
J. S. from South Dakota (6/5/2006) "The Best Ever" (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This is my ninth marathon and first DMTM. Last year I ran the half which was equally great. Plenty of aid stations and pretty well stocked, even for us slower runners. The aid station volunteers were great and are the only spectators you will see. This race is all about the scenery of the Black Hills. The race was changed this year to a different finish which was not as fun as finishing on Deadwood's main street. Still, a wonderful marathon and I would encourage everyone to consider this race for the future.
M. C. from South Alabama (6/4/2006) "Breathtaking scenery--well organized" (about: 2006) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The slideshow of this trail does not begin to reveal the beauty of this trek through the Black Hills. The principal drawback to the marathon is that the town of Deadwood, while historically restored, is packed with cigarette smoking gamblers (3% of their money goes to historical restoration grants in South Dakota). There are a couple of decent restaurants; otherwise, most eateries are burger/blue plate types simply to feed the gamblers. The bus tour of Deadwood was decent. The town's instantaneous creation and population explosion upon the discovery of gold is well documented in photographs which are on display around the town. Costner's Native American/Buffalo exhibit is only 5 miles away and is fascinating. Very nice site, and powerful sculpture of Native American's 'cliffing' Buffalos (harvesting them by running them off a cliff). The gold rush resulted in the population of Deadwood going from 0 to 10,000 in about 6 months despite this being forbidden Native American territory under then-existing treaties. Deadwood is a real chapter in how the West was 'won' from the Native Americans. Costner's exhibit demonstrates that it was not the Army that defeated the Indians but the subsequent slaughtering of Buffalos for their hides. No army (of Native Americans) could survive or move without a food base, and once the Buffalos were wiped out, their culture was wiped out. I stayed at the Bullock with my wife and two small children. Aside from the lobby being gambling-based like all of them here, it is a nice hotel. All in all, despite the cigarette smoke, the beauty of the trail the surrounding history makes this trip a 5/5 in my opinion.
R. F. from DFW, Texas (12/2/2005) "Great summer race!" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I ran the half-marathon, and the mostly gentle downhill course made the race a relatively easy experience. I took pictures of the beautiful scenery along the way, so I didn't end up with a PR for the course. Most of the trails are isolated and don't allow for many spectators; water stops are spaced farther apart than you would see at most urban races. Overall, I was very pleased with the race course and organization. I may come back next year for the full 26.2.
R. S. from Pittsburgh, PA (10/27/2005) "A World-Class Event...." (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 To me, this is what marathoning is all about. From the race director (Jerry Dunn), to the fantastic volunteers and most gracious residents of Rochford and Deadwood, this is a first-class event all the way. The course is challenging and extremely scenic; there is natural beauty everwhere you look. The spectators, while relatively few in number, are extremely enthusiastic and helpful. Jerry's staff is great; it was wonderful to spend some time speaking with both him and his wife Elaine at the expo. I'm looking forward to returning for my 3rd visit to Deadwood for the 5th anniversary of this marathon on June 4, 2006. I'm also looking forward to a reunion with my friend Charlie who is also returning this year for the 5th anniversary. Needless to say, come join us for what will be a most memorable experience!
C. F. from West Tennessee (6/25/2005) "fantastic views abound!" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Fantastic views everywhere you turn on this run. My family and I stayed in Deadwood. Deadwood is a gambling town, not really for families, but we were driving distance from everything. Be sure to take at least a week off when doing this run. Don't miss Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Badlands, Wall Drug, Devil's Tower, WY - all within easy driving distance. We put 800 miles on the rental. My 11-year-old niece enjoyed Reptile Gardens on the way to Keystone (I did too!). Had trouble finding pasta the night before because I didn't get in on the pre-race pasta dinner. Great Italian restaurant in Spearfish-Romas. Give it a try. In short, this run has so much to offer. You don't want to miss out. People were friendly. Spectators few, but uplifting. Got to meet Mr. Dunn and his wife Elaine Doll-Dunn - amazing folks, really. Ladies, buy her book. It hits home.
Dave Graves from Volga, S.D. (6/13/2005) "Dead tired in Deadwood, but happy" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Really enjoyed the race, though I did underestimate the amount of energy needed to finish the downhill half and finished on low power. A couple miles out I wasn?t sure if I wanted to run this again, but after finishing I thought ?I can do a better job next time.? Running on a soft, graveled path is a plus as were the trees and hills that kept runners in the shadows for much of the race. Fortunately, the day clouded over and never got hot. Aid stations were superior and well manned. It was nice to have an announcer to pep things up at the half-marathon point. The fresh fruit also was appreciated. This is a course for scenery, not spectators. But family was able to catch runners at a number of points along the course and there was a good crowd in downtown Deadwood as the runners pushed on for the last three blocks. We stayed out of Deadwood, which made the logistics a bit more challenging. But the day definitely was a positive experience.
J. H. from Indianapolis, IN (6/12/2005) "Spectacular all the way around" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I decided on this marathon as an excuse to see this part of the country. It was well worth the trip in every way. Organization of the race is outstanding. No hiccups anywhere that I saw. I love trail running, and this is probably the most beautiful run I've ever done. Long vistas of pines and aspen most of the first half of the race. Steeper canyon walls on either side for the second half. I was very slow in this race due to the first 13 miles of upgrade, but didn't mind at all. Don't run this expecting a PR, but be sure and get there. Highly recommend going to Devil's Tower, Custer State Park and the badlands while in the area!

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