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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 81 to 91]

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A. B. from Idaho (6/9/2005) "Can't wait to run it again!!" (about: 2005) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon and what a wonderful race it was. The organization was really great - I do feel the organizers bent over backwards to help out-of-towners. The shuttles were super efficient and aid stations well-supplied. Volunteers knew what they were doing. The first four miles out of Rochford knocked my socks off - beautiful. The only downside to this race was a lack of good non-smoking rooms in Deadwood, and the fact that it's a gambling town, so one has to deal with secondhand smoke at many establishments. Deadwood is a small town - so rooms are limited. Having said that, I won $75 playing blackjack! Great race! Highly recommended.
J. V. from Columbia, South Carolina (6/8/2005) "Unbelievable Scenery" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The scenery on the course is absolutely spectacular: a trail course that runs under aspens and Ponderosa pines, past waterfalls and creeks, and over bridges - all in the Black Hills of South Dakota. You can't find a more visually stunning course if you tried. The first half is uphill and relatively difficult - especially for those not used to elevation (it peaks at 6200 feet). But the second half is lightning fast and negative splits are easy. The organization is stellar, the finisher medal is phenomenal, and the limited supporters along the course are very enthusiastic. This marathon is awesome and highly recommended.
Chrissie Keavy from Chicago, IL (6/7/2005) "A must-do marathon!" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I can't even begin to describe how beautiful this marathon is. You start in this cute little town. Only about 500 people ran the full marathon, so it's very small. I wouldn't recommend it for your first marathon, since you really have to be motivated by yourself to keep going for the 13-mile hill that starts the race. The climb is gradual, but constant, with no almost no flat or downward parts until mile 14. It was great running on a trail for 25 miles of the course, and everywhere you looked there were beautiful hills covered in trees, and small waterfalls and creeks running under the bridges. Because only 500 people ran it, there were points during the race where I felt like I was out there alone, and it was extremely peaceful. Most of the 2nd half is downhill, and for the first time ever for me in a marathon, I ran the second half faster than the first half. The town of Deadwood is great too. LOTS of casinos, and some cute restaurants too. You wouldn't want to stay here for a long vacation, but definitely nice for a few days.
C. S. from Dallas, Texas (6/6/2005) "Wonderful small marathon" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 First and foremost, this course is visually stunning! Deadwood (the town) was mildly entertaining, sufficient for a long weekend trip, but not much longer. The director and staff were extremely considerate, helpful and well organized. The finish is spectacular in the streets of Deadwood. In 2005, we could not have asked for or received better weather, which certainly helped my view of this race. It is a challenging course, but if you pace yourself the first half, you can fly the second half (minus that sneaky hill from 19-21!) I would recommend this to anyone wanting to try a trail marathon. I would not recommend this to a first-timer as the course limits the ability for crowd support, which I think is part of the fun for the first time (just my $.02). Overall, as long as you know you are going for a smaller marathon, you will not be disappointed.
Laurence Macon from San Antonio (6/6/2005) "Don't Miss It" (about: 2005) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The course is gorgeous (and hilly), the organization is excellent and the sites around Deadwood are unique (Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer Park). But what makes this race really unique is the outstanding leadership provided by Jerry, Waylen and the other members of the staff. They do everything possible to make your stay and run enjoyable.
R. F. from Batesville, Arkansas (6/25/2004) "Mickelson Trail is fantastic" (about: 2004) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I never want to run on asphalt again. I had never been to South Dakata, so I took the family to the Black Hills for five wonderful days. Just a great area; we saw the Corn Palace, drove through the Badlands, visited Mt. Rushmore, drove the Needles/Iron Mountain loop (beautiful scenery), went to Devil's Tower in Wyoming, walked by the statues in the city of presidents, saw buffalo, prairie dogs, a T-Rex, Wild Bill & Calamity Jane and I also managed to run a marathon and my daughters ran the half marathon. Everything about the marathon was first-rate. The motels & meals were reasonably priced. The pasta buffet was delicious. Buses take you to the starting line; the start was on time, the aid stations were well stocked and the volunteers were helpful & friendly. They were handing out 20 oz. bottles of water at the 13-mile mark (which was very nice since the temp was really beginning to rise). The later aid stations asked if I wanted a refill on the water bottle and even had ice water. Finishing on old Main Street in Deadwood with the people cheering was nice. The unique finisher's medals have the image of Wild Bill Hickok & Calamity Jane running down the trail on a polished Black Hills alabaster stone. The racing bibs have your name on them. The Mickelson Trail is absolutely beautiful, the first half rises from 5300' to 6200' elevation, but the climb is gradual, never more than a 3% grade. You can easily run 3 or 4 abreast on the trail. You meander past mountain meadows and brooks, over wooden bridges and even through a tunnel; the pines & aspens shade the trail during the morning. I had some trouble with the heat & altitude in the last few miles, but the streams & beauty along the trail kept me going. This is a race that you feel there is no need to get in a big hurry to finish. I was able to resume my running routine quicker after this marathon than any previous - probably due to running on the crushed limestone trail for 24 of the miles - it's perfect. I would do this marathon again. Surely, it will be cooler next time. Some of the web site pictures for the 2002 race had patches of snow in them, which helped influence my decision to travel to Deadwood from Arkansas in June. Hopefully that will be the norm for this marathon as it grows. Tip: Register early, because it filled to its 1000 limit a month before the race.
Paul Stackpole from New Orleans (6/21/2004) "Great event with spectacular scenery" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was one of the most memorable marathons that I have ever run. Kudos to the RD and volunteers for a very well organized event! The race course was challenging but well maintained. The scenery in the Black Hills National Forest was incredible. There weren't a lot of people along the course, but the people that were there were very supportive and enthusiastic. I met a lot of friendly runners and volunteers during my 26.2 mile run. There was plenty of water, Gatorade and goodies at each of the aid stations. My only suggestion for future events would be to start the race at 0600 versus 0700, as the course began to heat up dramatically two hours into the event. A few cold beers at the finish line would also had been appreciated.
R. K. from East Lansing, MI (6/19/2004) "Awesome event!" (about: 2004) 3 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Awesome marathon! So glad to have been a part of it. LOVED the amazingly beautiful course and trail running, and met many friendly people. Also enjoyed visiting South Dakota for the first time. Marathon organization was good, although may not have been as many aid stations as promised. Overall, a great event!
Hobbit Singleton from Maumelle, AR (6/17/2004) "Am looking forward to going back." (about: 2004) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The course was beautiful, the packet pickup went quickly and efficiently and the pasta dinner (which I usually skip) was terrific. Being a so far back I can't see the back-of-the-packer, there are never many spectators in my marathon experiences, but I gave the spectators a 5, because the ones that were still around when I passed were very supportive & enthusiastic. There was still water, Gatorade & food at all the aid stations when I passed & they all offered to fill my water bottle when I stopped. Being the last finisher, I want to give a HUGE thanks to Jerry and everyone working the finish line for keeping the finish line open and having a medal for me. Also many thanks to Tony & Chris (course support) who hung in there with me to the very end & stopped traffic for me once I made it into town. I'll never know what it's like to finish a race first, but to have people waiting at the finish line for you when you're dead last & have people stop & clap & yell your name as they're walking into casinos to gamble - well, the winners of the race might have had a better finish experience, but they'll have to prove it to me.
K. M. from Atlanta,GA (6/14/2004) "Spectacular marathon!" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 What can I say that hasn't already been said about the 'best kept secret in marathoning'? The secret's out! I must admit I was a bit concerned that since the race had grown so much from last year that it would lose something in organization. My fears were unfounded. This is a first-rate event that should be at the top of your marathon 'must do' list. Packet pick up was easy, they even put all of your stuff in a little canvas type bag that you can reuse. You can't ask for a more beautiful course. Each corner you turn brings more breathtaking scenery than you just passed. I think that's what helped me the most in the first half since it is a continuous uphill climb for 13.1 miles. Despite the heat this year (95 degrees!! In the shade!!) there was plenty of water & PowerAde on the course, some stations even had ice cold water! Most stations had pretzels & some had oranges & bananas. The volunteers at each station were great. Many of them offered to fill your water bottle without having to be asked. I gave 'spectators' 5 stars because while there weren't many of them on the course the ones that were there were very enthusiastic. I finished the last 3 miles with a woman from Nebraska that was running her first marathon. What a spectacular event she picked for her virgin marathon!It was my 33rd marathon & I have put it in my top 3 favorites along with Chicago & Paris.

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