Black Hills Veterans March and Marathon
When is Black Hills Veterans March and Marathon?
Black Hills Veterans March and Marathon takes place on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 in Deadwood, SD.
What distances does Black Hills Veterans March and Marathon offer?
Black Hills Veterans March and Marathon offers 16 events: Mini March Individual (16.0 Miles), Mini March 5-Person Team (Coed), Mini March 5-Person Team (Female), Mini March 5-Person Team (Male), Full March (Military Uniformed), Full March (Veteran), Marathon Individual (26.2 Miles), Full March 5-Person Team (Coed), Full March 5-Person Coed Team (Military Uniformed), Full March 5-Person Female Team (Military Uniformed), Full March 5-Person Male Team (Military Uniformed), Virtual Full March Race, Full March Individual (26.2 Miles), Full March (5-Person Coed Relay), Full March (Military Uniformed Heavy (35lbs Pack)), 110 Endurance March.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini March Individual (16.0 Miles) | 16.0 mi | $50.00 | Register |
| Mini March 5-Person Team (Coed) | 16.0 mi | $225.00 | Register |
| Mini March 5-Person Team (Female) | 16.0 mi | $225.00 | Register |
| Mini March 5-Person Team (Male) | 16.0 mi | $225.00 | Register |
| Full March (Military Uniformed) | 26.2 mi | $50.00 | Register |
| Full March (Veteran) | 26.2 mi | $50.00 | Register |
| Marathon Individual (26.2 Miles) | 26.2 mi | $50.00 | Register |
| Full March 5-Person Team (Coed) | 26.2 mi | $225.00 | Register |
| Full March 5-Person Coed Team (Military Uniformed) | 26.2 mi | $225.00 | Register |
| Full March 5-Person Female Team (Military Uniformed) | 26.2 mi | $225.00 | Register |
| Full March 5-Person Male Team (Military Uniformed) | 26.2 mi | $225.00 | Register |
| Virtual Full March Race | 26.2 mi | $60.00 | Register |
| Full March Individual (26.2 Miles) | 26.2 mi | $50.00 | Register |
| Full March (5-Person Coed Relay) 50 spots left | 26.2 mi | $225.00 | Register |
| Full March (Military Uniformed Heavy (35lbs Pack)) | 26.2 mi | $50.00 | Register |
| 110 Endurance March | 110.0 mi | $90.00 | Register |
How much does Black Hills Veterans March and Marathon cost?
Registration for Black Hills Veterans March and Marathon starts at $100.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is Black Hills Veterans March and Marathon held?
Black Hills Veterans March and Marathon is held in Deadwood, SD at The Mickelson Trail to the Deadwood Rodeo Grounds,.
About Black Hills Veterans March and Marathon
BLACK HILLS VETERAN’S HONOR MARCH AND MARATHON
The Black Hills Veteran’s Honor March was conceived in 2002 as a way to honor the sacrifices of the nation’s servicemen and women. The 26.2-mile march takes place in the picturesque Black Hills National Forest on the Mickelson Trail. The March is held on a weekend at the end of September.
The March, which is conducted under the auspices of the South Dakota National Guard Enlisted Association (SDNGEA), grew out of an idea that originated from some South Dakota Army National Guard soldiers who had participated in the Bataan Memorial Death March. It was during the long ride home from White Sands, New Mexico that the idea of a commemorative march could be held to honor all Veterans and that the Black Hills would be a perfect place to hold such an event. Since the Bataan Memorial Death March takes place in late March or April, the consensus was that this new event should be held later in the year.
On September 21, 2002, seven members of the Army National Guard traveled to Deadwood, SD, and set out to reconnoiter the proposed march route and establish sites for water points, rest stops, and lodging requirements. Ted Deloy, Michael Jones, Matt Lacroix, Ben Lamp, Jeff Nord, Ben Smetana, and Mark Thomas were members of the recon team and laid the foundation for this event. The route today closely matches the original route from Rochford to Deadwood, the only change being the decision to end at the Rodeo grounds as compared to main street Deadwood.
After completing the dry run in September 2002, the marchers compiled notes and ideas. Due to mobilization in 2003, the idea had to wait to be presented to the SDNGEA at the state conference in April 2004. The decision was made to have the inaugural march start in September 2004.
Since its inception, the memorial march has grown to hundreds of marchers from across the United States. Events are offered in Team Military and Civilian, Individual Military and Civilian, Heavy Military (with a 35lb Rucksack), Marathon, Mini-March, Team Mini-March, and now 110 Mile Endurance March.