This was my 15th half marathon and by far the most scenic course. However, if you need crowd support this might not be the race for you. It worked great for me as I run solo most of the time anyway. Plus the fantastic scenery was more than enough for me.
If you are planning to run this race (and I certainly think that you should) please be aware that it truly is all down hill for the half marathon. I trained for the downhill and that worked to my advantage as I set a PR by 7 seconds per mile.
The expo was small but well organized and easy to pick up your packet and get any directions needed. I did not attend the pasta dinner as it was a bit pricey.
The start was fantastic as we began as the sun rose over the canyon and the canyon walls in front of us became bathed in sunlight. Although this is a small race, I was never alone as there were several others running a pace similar to mine. The fans though sparse were enthusiastic and the few motorist we saw were very accommodating.
At the finish, one volunteer handed me a bottle of cold water while another removed my timing chip. Very courteous and efficient.
Overall, I rate this as a great half marathon experience. Only two minor improvements needed...provide hand sanitizer in the port-o-lets and provide some real food at the finish.
If I were not on a quest to complete a half marathon in every state, I would be back to try this one again. Thanks for a great race, wonderful scenery and volunteers.

I have finished 8 full marathons now and this one by far is my favorite! The route is breathtaking and is truly downhill! I couldn't imagine what it would be like, but am so glad I signed up and tackled the Spearfish Canyon! The race is well organized and had an excellent small expo. The only recommendation I have is to somehow find a way to let the men in our lives also enjoy this wonderful event! Well done team....very well done! You have set the bar extremely high for all future races! I will definitely be back again for this race only next time with friends and family!

Small race but well organized. Not much in the way of 'post race food' - some fruit and cookies, but appreciated being quickly handed a bottle of water at the finish. I knew going in it was downhill, but the tilt of the road was just horrendous. Great knees before the race, but they really took a beating today on that terrain. Scenery ok, but repetitive. Heard great things about the Mickelson trail from many on the course. Might be a good alternative route that would offer many of the same features and showcase the area with much better road surfaces. Given the number of participants, I can see why the price was on the high side to pay for permits, aid stations, portolets. I felt bad for many I encountered who were running their first race--it wasn't a very accurate representation of what the majority of races out there are like.

My favorite marathon hands down! Inspiring course down the Spearfish Canyon. First miles flew by, and then settled into floating down the canyon next to beautiful stream along the course with majestic trees and rock towering above. Cool and dry for August. Very good support along the course. Shoulder and crown of the left side of the road was tough and slanted in some places, would be nice to have road closed to traffic if possible. Quads were sore for 48 hrs afterward, but got a marathon PR taking 24 mins off my last marathon. Very fast course! Spent a few days after the race in the Black Hills and Badlands. What a great experience.

Ladies, if you ever decide to do one marathon or half marathon, make it this one. A gentle downhill course, well stocked water stops (with powerade, water, bananas, oranges, pretzels and M&Ms), nice shirt and medal, top notch organization and scenery that will take your breath away! The weather was perfect, low 60s at the start, got into the 80s by the afternoon. No humidity, gorgeous blue skies all around. My only regret is that SD is quite a haul from the east coast, otherwise I would make this an annual race. The miles flew by as I took in the gorgeous scenery. The energy at the start and on the bus ride up to the start was something I have never experienced in any of my other 11 marathons: such excitement and camaraderie. You get a long stemmed rose as you cross the line....and take some time to stick around the Black Hills and do some sightseeing. It is a very interesting part of the country, full of stuff to do and fun for all ages.

Women runners, run this one! Elaine organizes it beautifully, and has a gift for conveying individual attentiveness. Registration is organized, helpful, friendly. Expo could be bigger but great fun shopping at a women-focused gear event. Wonderful inspiring woman runner talk. Course is beautiful; get your quads ready it IS almost all downhill. We only get the road's shoulder (what an unfortunately accurate metaphor). A few more thoughtful details of the run: 6 am start bec. it gets hot; well organized shuttle; aid stations every 2 miles ALL sufficiently and friendly 'manned;' better than most medal; LONGSTEMMED red rose, attentive welcome, and wet cloth at the finish; Elvis scarf at the half; Main St. Manor Hostel's fine fine accommodations and destination town of Lead as an option to Spearfish. My only suggestions: double the portapotties at the start (this is not the theatre); give us the entire road (if St. George can do it...), and, sisters, please, respect Elaine's request for no personal swag support.

I ran the half and my daughter ran the full. What a wonderful race with respect to scenery, people, food and organization. I would do this again in a heartbeat. The downhill experience is fantastic!

This was my 72nd marathon. It was one of the most beautiful and enjoyable marathons that I have run. You run along a scenic byway that is gorgeous the entire length of the marathon. The course was mostly downhill with only two gradual uphills that were easy to negotiate. While there were motorcycles on the course (the marathon was held on the last day of Sturgess Motorcycle Rally), they did a good job sharing the road and I never felt threatened. The aid stations were well supplied and had super helpful staff. I really enjoyed the small-town feel of this marathon and the camaraderie with my fellow runners. I stayed at the host hotel, which made travel to the start a no-brainer. It was cold at the start, and as an added treat, we were allowed to stay on the warm bus before the race began. The finisher's medal was very nice. I also liked the technical shirt. I wish this marathon were closer. It's the kind of race I could run every year.

The course was beautiful, but at mile 13, the bikers showed up. It was extremely difficult to stay focused and keep running with the noise and congestion. On the plus side, there were some wonderful spectators who were extremely supportive. Also, the race website mentions that you can stay at Black Hills State University, which we did. It was a horrible experience. Filthy rooms, and we could not find anyone to let us in. Race director did a great job of coordinating everything.

If I didn't live on the other side of the country, I would do this one again. It was August, but COLD at 5 a.m. this year - although the day warmed up and we had blue sky all the way. The course is basically from Lead, SD down the Spearfish Canyon Road to Spearfish. I'd say about 20 miles is downhill, 3 miles uphill and 3 flat (but that's not scientific). The hills are not steep and very doable but they are are the start, at mile 11 and a gentle upslope at the last mile. The finish is flat and ends at a beautiful park. Very small event, expo, etc. but they still go all out. It was cute to get a rose and medal from the gentlemen dressed in tuxedo-style t-shirts and top hats. Great medal, goody bag and nice t-shirt (although everything is pink-themed). The course is breathtaking. Really. It runs alongside a creek for most of the way with the canyon walls to either side. Wildflowers abound. Watch out for traffic as you are on the road and they are sightseeing too. Very few spectators but those that were there were very enthusiastic and one van followed us all the way down and stopped every few miles. Outstanding event and a must for 50-staters (assuming you are female). One or two guys did run alongside their female marathoners though.