Race director Elaine Doll-Dunn has created a unique and fabulous women's marathon. The beauty of the Black Hills, the dedication of supporters, and the superb organization make this an unmatched experience. This was my second time in Spearfish for this run, and the magic is just as strong.

The downhill course is very hard on quads, which makes soaking a bit in the ice cold stream at the end a must. The roses handed out to each finisher aren't bad, either. Indeed, it's hard to pick out features here, as there are so many details to admire. This year's pre-race events, just to give one example, included a writer's workshop.

If you are a veteran or a first-time marathoner, this is the race for you. Make the effort to get to South Dakota. It's worth it!

A big thank you to Elaine and her fellow organizers for creating this spectacular event. One could not ask for better scenery.
Hoping that the accolades from finishers will encourage more participants each year.
The few spectators that were there were great. It was always wonderful to meet and greet the bicyclists who were on their way up the course.
Great job to organizers and participants alike!

Has all the makings of a great marathon!! Great organization, spectacular scenery - I saw kingfishers and multiple deer while making the gentle descent through the conifers from Lead to Spearfish. It has got to be one of the fastest summer courses around; not too steep so the expected quad issues never materialized. Weather was near-perfect in 2005 (48 or so at the start, dry, and still). Not for you, though, if you're the big-city marathon type. I prefer the smaller marathons where the personal attention to detail is apparent! This race can only get better and better. Thanks, Kathrine Switzer and Elaine!

I prefer small marathons, and this one is the best to date. The first 6 or 7 miles made me think gnomes or fairies were playing in the fields along the course.

The remainder of the course was beautiful as well. A well organized race and nice extras on the course and at the finish even for a slow runner like myself. If I lived closer to South Dakota, I would be back every year with out a doubt. My legs hurt for 3 days after the race from all the declines. I was, however, able to finish the Grizzly Marathon Saturday after this marathon and it is a close second to this race. Thanks for a great day!

Everything about this run was awesome:
* Great organization! (Thanks Elaine!)
* Kathrine Switzer (VIP) was unforgettable!
* Volunteers at the aid stations were very appreciated!
* Medals, roses, and amenities at the finish were very, very nice!
* I liked the race course signs! ('If this was easy, they'd call it football!' Good one.) :)

What a show! I am not a local and have only done one other marathon (Disney). This marathon was a much smaller scale than Disney, but every bit as well organized! I was VERY impressed and had a BLAST! Great support...at the aid stations and on bikes. The scenery was amazing. The weather was cool and crisp...the sky endless blue. They were very 'walker-friendly.' I'm a walker, but Elaine and Kathryn Switzer (speaker) were both at the finish waiting to congratulate me. I couldn't have asked for a more supportive, perfect second marathon. Thanks to all who made it happen! Keep up the good work!

Well organized with the little added touches. Great speaker and the chocolates were awesome. Great expo and nicely-spaced water stops. Plenty of food for everyone.

OK, this race is in my neck of the woods, so I may be biased, but consider the facts:
1) a fast, downhill course
2) very scenic surroundings
3) no crowds, but plenty of deer, birds and natural beauty to spur you on, not to mention the guys at the aid tables and on bikes patrolling the course
4) well stocked aid stations, regularly spaced
5) hands-on attention from a well-organized race director
6) great pre-race speaker/easy packet pick-up/2 lovely truffles in a box
7) in addition to classy medal, a long stemmed rose and a moistened, lemon-scented towelette at the finish line
8) more than enough food at the end, bagels, muffins, fruit, yoghurt and chocolate (I ran San Francisco this year, can you tell?)
9) neat awards
10) incredibly interesting & supportive running companions!