I ran the 2010 half marathon. I only gave the course 4 stars because of the gravel roads. The area had about 8" of rain prior to the race, so the roads were incredibly muddy. In fact, they had to close down the back half of the marathon course because it was under water. That's Mother Nature's fault. Otherwise, the course was flat and fast. Great, small, local race that really is a hidden gem. Great dinner the night before and lunch the day of the race. Awesome tech shirts, really nice medals, and cool A/G awards. Just a really awesome experience. I only gave the spectators 3 stars, only for the numbers. Simply put, there are very few along the course, but they all cheered loudly when we ran by them. Another nice thing about small races: you have a much better shot at an A/G award. I would have no hesitation recommending this race to any of my friends.

This was a top-notch rural marathon in southeastern South Dakota. The Swan Lake staff people were friendly and outgoing. Jerry (the camp director) chatted with us at lunch Sunday and talked about the camp's effort to extend hospitality and to make folks feel welcome. They certainly excelled at that.

For starters, there was no difficulty finding this camp, even as remote as it is. Several runners were coming up from the Marathon to Marathon event hosted at Storm Lake, IA., and a couple of guys came up after running the marathon at Sand Hills, NE. So there was a large convergence of runners showing up by mid-afternoon. Judi, the office manager, and her assistant checked folks in as they came, collecting $15.00 for quarters, directing us to our sleeping quarters, and issuing tickets for the evening meal. Speaking of the evening meal: spaghetti, bread, and lemonade or water. It was a good deal, and great food. Camp staff were available to the runners too. Renee was the race director, and was taking tickets at dinner. So she was available to the runners from early on. Renee coordinated an early start for me (since I had run on Saturday, I anticipated needing extra time on Sunday).

After dinner, a young guy from a nearby town in SD started a fire in the fire pit, and several runners - including his wife and father-in-law - congregated around the fire to chat as dusk fell. It was a great way to pass the evening.

The bunk beds in the cabin were about what might be expected at a camp. They were ok, and those of us who had raced earlier on Saturday probably slept better than the others. I sure did. But I was up in time for a banana and bagel, with a sip of coffee before a solo start at 5:00 a.m., while Renee and others were standing by to register any latecomers.

The course was a series of squares and rectangles kind of patched together with curves around the lakeshore and entrance into a sparse neighborhood they called the "keyhole." After passing the lakeshore the first time, the course went into the town of Viborg, and back to the lakeshore, this time going the other direction. Then there was about a 3-mile straight segment heading north, a mile to the east, then back to the lake = and eventually to the camp and finish line.

The finish line was close to the start line, and Renee was there recording times as runners returned. Coke and cold water were available right there, with more bagels and peanut butter too. Back at the dining hall, they were serving BBQs (turkey, as I remember), potatoes, fruit, and chocolate cake. This meal was included with registration, and it was great food.

A few comments: The weather was about as good as it could have been. The sun rose about 5:30, and almost immediately was obscured by clouds. There were a couple of brief sun breaks around 10:30, but the clouds remained all morning, with a couple of brief sprinkles of raindrops. That was great, and it probably never got hotter than 70. The aid station workers were outstanding. They provided the refreshments that we needed and the only encouragement we got, other than from the occasional passing car. The staff was flexible with those requesting early starts. Hot showers were available after the race for those desiring to be clean again sooner rather than later. And Jerry sent me on my way with coffee in my thermos for the drive back to Colorado.

I am in pursuit of the 50-state goal, and SD does not have a lot of marathons to choose from (and one is for ladies only). Of the few other races, it was difficult for me to coordinate a race in SD. I don't know if this event was planned in conjunction with Storm Lake event, but getting a double on this weekend with two races so close together was a big plus. Then, Swan Lake Camp made this event special and memorable for the runners (check out the comments from other runners). Finally, this course was pretty flat. The hills are more like swells at sea than hills. If you choose Swan Lake, I don't think you will be disappointed.

As a slow marathoner working on my 50 states, I chose this one based on its reviews and location (not far from Iowa where I "ran" the previous day). This marathon was even better than I expected: Very organized, great volunteers, nice shirt, nice medal, nice pasta dinner and EVERYONE I met was friendly - runners, supporters, volunteers and camp staff. Two of the young camp staff even sat and chatted with us runners during the pasta dinner. I would definitely recommend this race to anyone looking for a great SD run. And, to anyone who has been considering doing a double marathon (one on Saturday and one on Sunday): go for it. The day-after stiffness is no worse than after a single marathon.

This was my first marathon and I had a great experience. The night before the race I stayed in a cabin at Swan Lake camp and enjoyed the beautiful and calming scenery. It was great to be able to walk to the start (just 2 or 3 minutes from the cabins) and to avoid the rush of looking for a place to park. The camp staff had coffee, bagels and bananas available for breakfast. I enjoyed the course because it was flat with rolling hills, included both gravel and pavement, and made several loops around Swan Lake. The people at the aid stations were very friendly and others in roving vehicles asked if runners needed anything. The meal afterward was fantastic, and hot showers were available. I'll be back next year!

Small (73 marathoners) race with big benefits. Great tech shirt and spaghetti meal; and I would suggest you stay at the camp (just make sure you bring a book or you will have nothing to do). The course is nice, but it's rural, so do not expect a lot of fans. Gravel roads are the norm, and the only negative thing I can say about the race is that they are sloped. I would highly recommend the race if you are looking for something off of the beaten path!

Friendly, wonderful, scenic, fun, laid-back race in beautiful country, near a lake with kayaks, canoes and an island. So many birds too - yellow-headed blackbirds, one pelican, and seven swans a-swimming, There's a big bell to ring when you finish, too.

This is a small race with a big heart. One of my most fun marathons because it was so well organized and everyone - including the race organizers (Renee) and participants - was just out to have a good time with nice people. One thing that may need to be considered is that such an extraordinary event like this might attract vegetarians. (It takes a lot of fruit salad to refuel after a marathon.) Beware of the dormitory. (There was snoring contest in the middle of the night, and the winners - all four of them - didn't even know there was a competition going on.) Call early and get a cabin or camp out with your non-snoring friends. This marathon is a big secret, but let your best friend know, because a hundred more wouldn't make it any less fun, and they will thank you forever. By the way - non-running spouses will think that it's just a fun, friendly, relaxing vacation, with a big lake and good food.

These might be the nicest and friendliest race directors of all time. Big bang for your buck. A bit out of the way and in the middle of nowhere, but nice shirt, medal, pasta meal, and post-race lunch for everyone - "everyone" meaning friends, family, and the handful of spectators. The course is a figure-eight type. There are lots of hard-packed, red-dirt roads. Lots of country landscapes.

This is a great little marathon. Everyone I encountered along the way was friendly and accommodating. Stay in the bunkhouse - it's cheap and adds to the fun. It's a great little marathon put on by some great people!

If you need spectators to motivate you during a race, this race is not for you. The race is run through the country, through a small town, and back through the country. Quiet, serene, beautiful, flat course. The staff at the camp where the race begins and ends are friendly and very organized. Great tech shirt and cool medal for finishing!

If you're into big races with lots of fanfare, crowds and music then this isn't your race. However, if you like small races and running on country roads with fantastic volunteers, excellent water stops and lots of friendly people, then go find this race. The race starts and finishes at a Christian Youth Camp, so there are showers available post-race. You can even stay in some of the cabins if you don't want to drive from far away. We opted for a motel or hotel. There aren't many in the area and we stayed in Vermillion at the Comfort Inn. About 35 minutes from the race start. Again, more nice, accommodating people. We do not recommend the Super 8 there, as the room we were given was not clean enough for us. The post-race meal was good too. Go run this race; it's a gem and the people involved are just wonderful.