Only about 1000 runners in this race, but an absolutely gorgeous course. I highly recommend it to anyone in the area.

Great small race, if you need lots of other runners around and tons of spectators this isn't for you. Great organizations, plenty of water and volunteers and beautiful area.

Run Crazy Horse is Marathon #50 in my Quest for 50 states plus DC. Hill City is perfect for this Black Hills Marathon due to it's central location. We were there on the absolute last weekend of the season (they waited for us)but the hospitality workers were top line in their welcome. Palmer Gulch Lodge and Campground put out a FREE morning snack and water spread for us EVERY DAY that weekend. This race is very well organized with plenty of fluids and nutrition on the course, even though the late morning temperatures rose into the 80's !! A big suprise to everyone for October in South Dakota. AND THE COURSE is Most Beautiful ! The loops on the loose gravel roads around the Crazy Horse Monument were a little treacherous but afforded the runners a view that few visitors get to enjoy. The early hours (or 1/2 course)into Hill City were cool (mid 40's to start). The Crazy Horse visitors center is a Can't Miss Attraction so plan to spend some time there the evening before the race. However, unless you have a true love for warmed up frozen pasta, I suggest you pass up the prepaid pasta feed and order off the menu. The Laser Light Show is Fabulous !! My only regret is we couldn't stay long enough to enjoy all the wonderous outdoor activities the Black Hills have to offer - Like a 3 mile hike to the top of Mt Harney or a 50 or so mile bike ride on the Deadwood/Mickelson Trail. SO... WE WILL DEFINATELY BE BACK !! Run Long, Run Strong !!

Great fall marathon in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Small marathon with a great course and well supplied aid stations. Not a spectator friendly marathon, but the friendly/quiet town of Hill City is relaxing.

This marathon was all that I expected. The second half was especially tough compared to the first half as it involved a slight rises and higher temps. This marathon was small but good. Adequate aid stations and friendly people. There was nothing about it to complain about. I hope this marathon continues for years to come as I am a Crazy Horse fan.

I loved this marathon. The weather was great, though I got a little heated toward the end. The Black Hills are really beautiful. I was starting to hurt toward the end of this run. I thought there should've been more water stops for the last ten miles. I was parched. Loved everything else. Got my first clay finisher's medal. This was my ninth marathon in the ninth state. Thank you for a wonderful experience at Crazy Horse!

This inaugural race came off without a hitch and was a wonderful run. The race starts and the first three miles are run at the base of the Crazy Horse Monument in South Dakota. You then exit onto the Mickelson Trail for a gradual 10-mile downhill into Hill City. The weather was perfect, the scenery beautiful, and the race well organized with a smooth packet pickup, nice expo, well stocked aid stations and maybe the best finisher's medal ever. Emily and Jerry did a great job with the race, and if you have run the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon or the LeanHorse 100, you know you know what a good job they do as race directors. See you there in 2011!

Friendly volunteers, beautiful trail run, well organized race. Gradual downhill to HIll City (halfway point), then a 6+-mile gradual uphill climb to a turnaround and finish in Hill City. You can stay pretty much anywhere in Hill City and walk to the shuttle buses and back to motel. Not a lot of spectators but those who were there were enthusiastic!

Could use a cool water soak for your legs at the end, a few more aid stations the second half of the marathon, and some muffins or something at the finish.