This race is a must-do for any female marathoner. I can't sum up all of the positives about this race - you have to experience it for yourself - but let me try.

I traveled to the race with 4 female friends. I would recommend going with a friend or a sister, but some women traveled alone. As soon as you got to the race, however, you were not alone. Everyone that we met (racers and women working at the expo) was very outgoing and friendly.

The expo was not huge, but the goody bag was fantastic, the vendors that were there were very willing to talk, and the shirts were cool.

Race organization was perfect: The best I have ever encountered. The event was planned to a T. Elaine (the race director) is an amazing person. I read her bio in a running magazine before the race. If you need inspiration to tie on those running shoes, look her up. The bus to take up to the race start was easy to find, not crowded, and on time. Even the bus driver was encouraging and friendly. The aid stations were well-stocked and well spaced. There was water, sports drink, M & M's, oranges, bananas, snickers.... I may not have seen everything. The men at the aid stations would bring the stuff out to you. You really didn't even need to break a stride. Finish line support was efficient and very helpful. You got a hug from a man in a tuxedo T-shirt and a top hat, a long-stemmed red rose, a cold, lemon-scented wash cloth with the race logo, and a bottle of water. Someone cut off my chip before I even looked around. There was plenty of food after the race, including individual home-made fruit pizzas that were very yummy.

The race itself was spectacular - the most beautiful race course I have ever run. The marathon was small (I think just over 100 runners), so I was running by myself a lot of the time, but that gave you time and space to enjoy the beauty of Spearfish Canyon. The course is just as advertised - all downhill. I can only remember one spot where the hill was kind of steep, but not too steep.... Just enough so that you could lean forward and get up a good head of steam. Most of the grade is very gentle with lots of slight curves so that you are continually coming around the corner to another fantastic view. The race finishes in a small park in town, so the last 3/4-mile is on a shaded bike path. I was concerned about the heat before the race, but the early start and the shaded canyon made it a non-issue. I ran another marathon in MN in June, and it was much hotter there.

There were not a lot of spectators along the course. This is not NYC or Chicago, but the ones that were there were enthusiastic and supportive. Lots of runners and spectators stayed at the finish line cheering all the finishers.

I think this race is going to grow. This year there were about 100 marathoners and 200 half-marathoners, so each runner got lots of individual attention. I would have to honestly say this was my favorite marathon experience. There were several 50-staters there (including one of our group). I give this race my very highest recommendation.

This is a typical small race with the basics provided plus some girlie-frills added in. Overall, the most gorgeous course I have ever seen but also the steepest. Be prepared by training on declines if you don't normally run down the side of a mountain. Small but engaging expo. Featured an abundant goody bag with lots of additional freebies and fun people/vendors. Buses to the start were solid but would have been nice if they remained to provide shelter from the cold temps.

(Lead CC is not open for runners use and the gravel parking lot/grounds were not appealing sitting spaces.) Would have been great to be inside for the 45-minute wait but the temps. were not bad. Aid stations were basic but did the job - the volunteers were awesome: upbeat and helpful. The two cyclists at 14 (?) were a hoot. Could have had more porta-potties but hey, the national forest through which we ran provided plenty of options in that department.

There are almost no spectators, which is why I give this category a 4 - the serenity of the canyon is just too spectacular to ruin with yelling, screaming fans! The finish line was worth the journey - a designated hugger, a rose, a scented face cloth, food, and guys wearing pink!! Most importantly, Race Director Elaine Doll-Dunn is more amazing in person that I imagined. What a dynamo - I want to be her when I grow up.

I don't want to be too critical, as the area was beautiful, weather cooperated, and I'm glad I came. The race started on time, results seem to be accurate, and the course was mainly downhill and had remarkable scenery.

However, there are definitely some areas for improvement. The "expo" was small, but my biggest issue was the signage. It was not at all clear where you started by picking up your race packet, and then you had to backtrack to the table right by the front door to pick up your timing chip. Finally, you went to the window marked "registration" to get the race t-shirt (which was cotton, but at least not white). Then there was the confusion about how to get to the start and finish. If you're not staying in Spearfish, finding the Lead Country Club (start) was totally "on your own." Nobody seemed to be able to provide directions, and we were staying in Lead, so it didn't make sense to go to Spearfish and take the bus to the start. Also, nobody was able to provide decent directions for my husband to find the finish. Not everyone from out of town intuitively knows where "city park" is!

As for the course, it did have some wonderful declines, and the mist during the first hour was refreshing. However, beware of the small "loop" up near Roughlock Falls (it is UPHILL!) and the long level unshaded stretches in the last 6 miles. Also, you are basically running on the shoulder of the road with no stoppage of traffic. The only traffic control is at one key intersection, and there were several times when we runners were on our own to dodge potential hazards (like cars turning into driveways).

At the finish, don't expect too much from the "tuxedoed gentlemen" or post-race refreshments. One of our biggest issues was how the "awards" were handled. I was lucky enough to win an award (age group), but nobody seemed to know when they would be given out, and would not let you pick up your award and leave. In fact, as a result of the delays and unknown time frame, I would say over 50% of the award winners were not there when the ceremony finally occurred.

I enjoyed the "all female," smaller race conditions, the South Dakota panorama, and checking off another state in my 50 states quest. But, frankly, my expectations after all I had heard about this race were higher. I would have paid a little more for "special touches" and better organizational items (like maps to the start and finish, knowing when the awards would be given out, higher quality finisher's shirt, champagne or sparkling cider at the finish, etc.).

Many 50-Staters at this race, and you couldn't pick a better location to "do" South Dakota. Spearfish Canyon is incredibly scenic. Towering 20+ story tall granite cliffs covered with black pines; there were rapidly gurgling creek next to the course most of the way; and there were windy roads, so there was no one long boring line-of-sight. It is mostly downhill, but there are slight grades to vary your muscles. And one out-and-back up-and-down a gravel section to RoughLock Falls. The gravel was not loose or dusty. First 3 miles are on the same type gravel, then narrow asphalt roads. At about the halfway point, you are on a wider two-lane "highway." Essentially no traffic, except support vehicles. And these are the fans, but who would want crowds to block the views?? And you do have to stay on the shoulder. Difficult camber for 9 miles or so.

The pre-race speaker was Lorraine Moller. Excellent motivation - I'll keep my yellow bubble for all my races. Thanks Lorraine! And she was followed by the pasta dinner, which was salad and pasta, but not your typical pre-race fare. Think gourmet, and you've got it.

It DOES start at 6000 feet and ends at 3500 feet or so. Nice for mile times, but nasty to the quads. Water as often as you could want it (but do take what you need to the starting line, which is the dark parking lot of a 9-hole "country club.")

This is a small race (101 finishers in 2007 for the full marathon), so be prepared to run by yourself. Not a problem for me, with so much beauty around.

Historic downtowns nicely preserved: if possible arrive with enough time to explore Lead, Deadwood, and Spearfish on Friday or stay for Monday (rather quiet and closed up on Sunday afternoon).

Except for the difficulties of getting through a small, regional airport, I'd do this one year after year.

Way to go Elaine!

P.s. I bought her 2nd book at the expo - what a "live life to the fullest" lady!

This was a great race! The course is pretty much all downhill, so a total quad burn, but completely beautiful!

The goody bags rocked and the runners were friendly along the way!

This is a special experience from start to finish. Plan to come early enough to visit the area, especially Mount Rushmore. Stay in or around the host hotel, as this is a great way to meet other wonderful women.

Elaine Doll Dunn is a very approachable race director. She quickly responded to every email inquiry, and in talking with her, treats you as if you are a special friend. At age 68, she looks spectacular, is in great shape, and is a wonderful example of what we can look forward to! Her husband, Gerry Dunn, also an incredible runner, was busy preparing the course, but not too busy to do some "meeting and greeting." I liked him, too! I especially enjoyed Helen Klein, the featured speaker. Again, an amazing woman and wonderful inspiration. Her husband Norm also shared his humor during her talk, and cheers along the course as he waited for her to pass by. I would love to have a copy of the video Helen showed of her participation in the Eco Challenge when she was 74 year-old - simply amazing!

The course is lovely, generally alongside the creek in Spearfish Canyon. Nearly all downhill, as advertised. Plenty of aid. It was a warm day, but with a 6:00 a.m. start and the first 10 miles in the shade of the canyon, it was tolerable. Not too many people along the way to cheer, but that is not a requirement for me.

At one point I felt very dehydrated, as I was not quite keeping up with my thirst. An angel on a bicycle shared her water bottle with me when I asked and explained my situation - then she found me two more times to offer water! At the next couple of aid stations, I drank lots of water and Gatorade and felt better, but I sure appreciated the young woman on the bike!

The lack of spectators was not a problem, as the scenery was sufficient to keep me feeling peaceful and filled with the joy of being able to participate in events like this. At the end, we were greeted with a hug, a long-stemmed red rose, and the sincere "you are beautiful!" greeting from one of the volunteers.

A great event, a must-do, this event deserves your attendance. Go out of your way to come next year, meet Elaine and make a new friend, and enjoy the company of many lovely women, their families and guests.

A friend and I ran our first marathon here and we could not have picked a better marathon for this experience. Elaine, her team of volunteers, and the other runners and walkers were so friendly and supportive. I was at or near the back of the pack for most of the race, and the BOBs (Boys on Bikes) were fantastic - they kept checking on us to make sure we were ok, even delivering water and ice a couple of times. All of the aid stations had plenty of water and Gatorade.

Several of the walkers I met mentioned that this is a VERY walker-friendly race. The course stays open until the last person crosses the finish line.

Yes, the buses missed the turnoff to the starting line, but that meant that we had less time to stand around getting nervous before the start, and frankly I was grateful for that. All in all it was a wonderful and positive experience, and I highly recommend this race, especially to anyone who is running her first marathon.

Hats off to Elaine - she knows how to put on a first-class event! Being a local, I was familiar with the course, but it is still magical and serene early on Sunday morning (after the Sturgis Rally and few tourists left). If there were any glitches in the race, and there always are, I was not aware of them - it appeared flawless. As others have stated, you are made to feel special all along the course, from the friendly "manned" aid stations, to the stretch limo "shuttle bus" back to the hotel. Elaine thought of everything. The pre-race expo was small, the goody bag was fabulous, and the pasta party and Helen Klein are going to be hard to top. This is a must-do marathon for every female marathoner. The guys will be jealous!

This was not my first race so I have something to compare with. First of all, the course is what they claimed it to be: beautiful and easy. Everything else (besides the featured speaker) was a big disappointment! For a race that small you wonder how hard it is to be a little more organized. First of all, my name wasn't even there when I came to pick up my package. The runners who had relied on the internet for the starting time were not notified of the change. We were 18 minutes late instead of 20 minutes early. There were no signs that tell where it started, so when my sister and I arrived, we had no idea where to go. We later found out from others that the bus driver did not know where the starting place was either since there were no signs. I also think it is silly to have to get up before four to catch a bus that early for a race. The only bright side of the race was the speaker, Helen Klein, who was not only encouraging and helpful, but most humble and approachable, which made up for the big disappointment.

I picked this marathon last year in my quest to complete 50 states. I had never run in a women's only marathon/race and knowing that it was the first year for this event, I had my doubts about it. I had a goal to complete all 50 states in 3 years and had missed running at Brookings, SD in May. This was my last chance to check off the state of SD - it was state #40. I had a deadline of November 6 to complete the other 10 states in 2005.

I had also not registered for this marathon - thought I had - and was unable to arrive on time to pick up my racing number. Elaine is the most superior race director that I have ever met - handled the problem with ease.

I arrived late the evening before the race & my goodie bag/race number was waiting for me. This year the goodie bag was just as lovingly packed full of things for female runners as it was in 2005. It's comparable to a Christmas stocking, only much larger.
I don't need to add comments about the rest of this marathon for the other comments on this site reflect how awesome this marathon is!!

This event has become a spiritual retreat for me as there is nothing but beauty and love felt and seen - not only in the canyon but from the people/volunteers, and most of all from Elaine.

As Elaine starts the race each year in the evergreen forest, and as I glide down the Spearfish Canyon, I feel like a dove of peace returning to her as she awaits for all the runners at the finish.

Upon crossing the finish line, a male volunteer immediately gives you a hug and special words as he walks you to the end of the chute as if the two of you had just completed a lovely waltz. Then he gives you a red rose and another man gives you a lemon-scented hand towel and places the finisher's medal on the end of a pink ribbon upon your neck, thus finishing the final act of the Leading Ladies Marathon.

This marathon is so special that I want to keep it a secret for I hate large marathons and this event is going to become huge as each woman becomes part of the "screen play" and tells the "secret" to fellow girlfriends and female relatives who are runners. Thank you Elaine for all that you do and will do for female runners!! Thanks for empowering/inspiring each of us!!