Sundance to Spearfish Marathon

This is an absolutely wonderful race. Everything from the breathtaking, downhill course to the small field and great race organization is what really sets it apart. No, there is not a lot of spectator support, no mile markers, and somewhat spread out water stops at very exact locations, but the truth is that this race doesn't need all the extra bells and whistles. In fact, I didn't even wear a watch and was 100% unplugged other than having the mile markers of the water stops written on my arm. It just felt right at a race like this. The race directors kept track of each runner from beginning to end so you really felt taken care of, and when you are taking a group picture overlooking the Spearfish Canyon at sunrise, you feel privileged just to be there. Great long sleeve cotton race shirt, sterling finishers pendant (another for BQ, sub-3hr, and sub-4hr), and local pizza and beer at the finish. Starts in WY and ends in SD, so counts as either state for 50-staters. Just be prepared going into it (communication was second to none), and simply enjoy the beautiful simplicity of this race.

Great small race. 50 runners so a very small field but very friendly. Water and Gatorade every 3 miles most were unmanned but all the cups were filled. Several places for spectators to view you along the course especially the 2nd half. Mostly all down hill only 2 hills in the first 2.5 miles after that steady down hill but not steep. Wear a watch because there are no mile markers on the course but the course is easy to follow. Very Beautiful course a great race vacation destination. This was state number 32 for me.

I have run marathons in 25 states, and this is the most beautiful course I have encountered. The race begins in Wyoming and crosses into South Dakota around mile three. It is runs through the stunning Black Hills and is almost entirely downhill- making it a very fast course as well. Sundance to Spearfish is very small (50 participants in 2017) so do not expect crowds or extensive support. There are aid stations with water and Gatorade roughly every three miles which is plenty on a cool September morning. The race is very well- run and was a great experience!