This course was simply spectacular! This race has been on my bucket list since I first found out about it a few years back and the course did not disappoint! … MORE
This course was simply spectacular! This race has been on my bucket list since I first found out about it a few years back and the course did not disappoint! Unfortunately my nutrition and therefore my stomach, were not on their best behavior during this race, and by the time I finished, I was so thankful to be done that I didn’t get to soak up the post-race celebration as much as I would have liked. There was a lot happening afterwards with a few food trucks and complimentary cookies or muffins.
I would also like to point out that I wished I had trained on more difficult terrain leading up to this race as the course constantly flowed uphill and downhill, weaving through the buttes that surround Teddy Roosevelt National Park. Visiting this park a day or so after the race was also a lot of fun.
I only gave 3 points for swag – not really much in there – you could purchase shirts for extra $$ but I always like it when a race throws in a tech shirt instead. I believe money from the race goes to the preservation of the trail system, which is a huge plus. The medal at the end was beautiful and unique – made of wood. My fiancé ran the 5k and got the exact same one. Because we are running all 50 states, we like collecting these for display!
One thing that I think could have been a nice, added touch, would have been a photographer. I did see one person at the finish line taking some photos, but not of everyone. On a course this beautiful, I think it would have been great to have gotten some action shots – I would have even purchased them if they had been available!
Aid stations, at least for the half, weren’t really a thing either. There was one station, and knowing this, I chose to take my own water along with me on the course. It seemed like most of the racers knew this and were prepared with their own hydration as well. Not really a big deal but I do prefer to run races without my hydration pack, and to visit a couple of aid stations during the race instead. However, with the way the single track trail weaves through the buttes, it would be tough to place more aid stations… so not a real complaint, just something runners should be aware of before running this race.
I might try this one again, just because it was one of my favorite trails to run! Or even visit the National Park again and run the trail for fun.
Please login to reply to this review.
My ideal trail run
This course was simply spectacular! This race has been on my bucket list since I first found out about it a few years back and the course did not disappoint! … MORE
This course was simply spectacular! This race has been on my bucket list since I first found out about it a few years back and the course did not disappoint! Unfortunately my nutrition and therefore my stomach, were not on their best behavior during this race, and by the time I finished, I was so thankful to be done that I didn’t get to soak up the post-race celebration as much as I would have liked. There was a lot happening afterwards with a few food trucks and complimentary cookies or muffins.
I would also like to point out that I wished I had trained on more difficult terrain leading up to this race as the course constantly flowed uphill and downhill, weaving through the buttes that surround Teddy Roosevelt National Park. Visiting this park a day or so after the race was also a lot of fun.
I only gave 3 points for swag – not really much in there – you could purchase shirts for extra $$ but I always like it when a race throws in a tech shirt instead. I believe money from the race goes to the preservation of the trail system, which is a huge plus. The medal at the end was beautiful and unique – made of wood. My fiancé ran the 5k and got the exact same one. Because we are running all 50 states, we like collecting these for display!
One thing that I think could have been a nice, added touch, would have been a photographer. I did see one person at the finish line taking some photos, but not of everyone. On a course this beautiful, I think it would have been great to have gotten some action shots – I would have even purchased them if they had been available!
Aid stations, at least for the half, weren’t really a thing either. There was one station, and knowing this, I chose to take my own water along with me on the course. It seemed like most of the racers knew this and were prepared with their own hydration as well. Not really a big deal but I do prefer to run races without my hydration pack, and to visit a couple of aid stations during the race instead. However, with the way the single track trail weaves through the buttes, it would be tough to place more aid stations… so not a real complaint, just something runners should be aware of before running this race.
I might try this one again, just because it was one of my favorite trails to run! Or even visit the National Park again and run the trail for fun.
Most beautiful course I've ever run
Hilly but manageable- Entirely worth the spectacular scenery of The Badlands. Actually easy to travel to Medora, ND-fly into Dickinson (30 minutes to race start) from Denver. The Badlands are … MORE
Hilly but manageable- Entirely worth the spectacular scenery of The Badlands. Actually easy to travel to Medora, ND-fly into Dickinson (30 minutes to race start) from Denver. The Badlands are a special place and you will be glad you participated in this unique run.
Nice trail race
It was HOT! Bring your own water - for the 10K there was only one water station and it was at the last mile. It was challenging for me, but … MORE
It was HOT! Bring your own water – for the 10K there was only one water station and it was at the last mile. It was challenging for me, but it was my first true trail race with hills – Indiana does not have hills – lol.
United I'm STRANDED
After arriving into Denver Colorado from Houston Texas to connect to a United Airlines flight, which was the only airlines to fly into the airport in North Dakota unfortunately for … MORE
After arriving into Denver Colorado from Houston Texas to connect to a United Airlines flight, which was the only airlines to fly into the airport in North Dakota unfortunately for me, I had a brief hour or so to grab something to eat before the flight. However, the over priced nachos wouldn’t be my only disappointment.
Upon finishing something resembling heated chip and a melted mangle cheese like substance, I headed to the waiting area for my flight. Once there, the gate agent informed United passengers that the plane which was scheduled to be there was actually in Sioux Falls, and that we not only didn’t have a plane but also there was no crew or pilots. Why no one from United Airlines noticed this minor detail earlier during the day, he said that he had no idea.
Well, great thing I’m called according to God’s purposes and love the LORD, because this was used to work on my unserved customer response skills to becoming more Christ-like. I passed with a flying color (red) and prayed thanking my Heavenly Father that He knows best and is ordering my steps.
Therefore, as much as I dislike that I missed this awesome trail run, I’m glad that I’ll run Fargo Marathon this September as my Airforce Marathon in Dayton Ohio has gone virtual.
Great 100 Miler-Bring a Crew
The MDH Ultra distance options can sound pretty daunting- not many people register, and even fewer finish. The course isn't super technical (coming from someone used to Appalachian humidity, rocks, … MORE
The MDH Ultra distance options can sound pretty daunting- not many people register, and even fewer finish. The course isn’t super technical (coming from someone used to Appalachian humidity, rocks, and roots) but it is relentless. It’s hot, dry, barren, and the aid stations are few and far between (25-29 miles apart) so you will have to have a crew supporting you at the additional checkpoints (there are 9 check points) so be prepared to wrangle up some friends and family. You have to bring your mental game and be prepared for some long hours alone in the middle of nowhere. You’ll need a solid hydration and fueling plan, otherwise things could go downhill quickly out there. The course is well marked and easy to follow, even in the night hours because the trail markers are reflective. The RD and volunteers really care about this race and trim, mow, and make sure the entire 106 mile stretch is cleared and easy to follow.
The shirt and medal are nice, but that’s not really what ultra running is about. I came for the experience and absolutely enjoyed every painful minute. The Maah Daah Hey Trail is pretty special and I’d recommend any of the distances.
Where I fell in love with trail running.
What a beautiful well marked course. Easy to navigate, perfect level of challenging and fast. Unique awards that really remind you of where you were and great memories made. Hope … MORE
What a beautiful well marked course. Easy to navigate, perfect level of challenging and fast. Unique awards that really remind you of where you were and great memories made. Hope to be back again.
Trail Heaven!
Truly trail heaven! This is not an easy race, but totally worth it for the spectacular views! This is a race for those who love to just run...no spectators, no … MORE
Truly trail heaven! This is not an easy race, but totally worth it for the spectacular views! This is a race for those who love to just run…no spectators, no music, just run! Plus you get to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park! The town of Medora is really cute too! It was a perfect pick for my North Dakota state and I hope others give it a try.
Great race with butte-i-ful scenery
The race was rolling hills mostly on single track clay with 3 small stream/mud crossings, first and last mile are paved roads/trails. The web site for the race has almost … MORE
The race was rolling hills mostly on single track clay with 3 small stream/mud crossings, first and last mile are paved roads/trails. The web site for the race has almost all you need to know. I only got one email from the race director 3 days before the race. The race went off smooth and i had no issues. Shirt and metal were nice.
Race begins a little late 8am, sun is up at 5:30am and you have to wait for over an hour at the start line after they drop you off; which is at a campground, with a good amount of pit toilets, a pavilion, and a drinking water spigot.
Bring your own hydration pack or bottle, water stations were at mile 5 and 10 and there are no human spectators to cheer you on, cows and horses tho! Pay attention and ask questions on how to open the numerous cattle gates you must pass through.. I assumed i knew…took about 30 seconds at the first one. Race is also a little longer than a half marathon (14M).
I stayed in Medora, and walked to the shuttle (less than a mile). I highly recommend staying there, great history, places to stay and restaurant choices, not to mention the entrance to Roosevelt National Park!
2nd hardest marathon I've run-loved it!
Great organization, RD very responsive, course is hilly, hot, and beautiful. No PRs and only 2 aid stations, so prepare. A couple water crossings, but overall not very technical single … MORE
Great organization, RD very responsive, course is hilly, hot, and beautiful. No PRs and only 2 aid stations, so prepare. A couple water crossings, but overall not very technical single track trail that will greatly challenge you. It is closer to 27 miles, but makes the finish even better. Enjoy!
Great Race!
Thoroughly enjoyed this race. A smaller well organized trail race. Not very technical trail but I would still wear trail shoes. Make sure you carry enough water as the only … MORE
Thoroughly enjoyed this race. A smaller well organized trail race. Not very technical trail but I would still wear trail shoes. Make sure you carry enough water as the only support is a at mile 9 and 19. Shuttle to the start is smooth and plenty of time to relax before the start. The race is point to point.
A perfect race for first half marathon
This was my first half marathon race I’d ever participated in and it was stellar. The trail was beautiful and marked well, so I was able to just run and … MORE
This was my first half marathon race I’d ever participated in and it was stellar. The trail was beautiful and marked well, so I was able to just run and enjoy the scenery. It was surprisingly green for the end of July with wildflowers still blooming and lots of butterflies. The trail isn’t too technical, although there is a lot of going up and down hills and there isn’t any shade so it does get hot, but it is definitely worth running! The people at the aid stations were great, cheering the runners on, and the orange slices were just what I needed to give me energy to finish strong. I ran with my sister and we both are planning to do it again, hopefully getting other family members to run it too. Thank you Maah Daah Hey for a great first half marathon experience!
Destination race in Old West setting
The trail winds next to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the badlands of ND. Amazing scenery! Challenging race. The Trail is regularly identified as one of the best mountain … MORE
The trail winds next to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the badlands of ND. Amazing scenery! Challenging race. The Trail is regularly identified as one of the best mountain biking trails, it is near rock climbing — and ends in Medora, a historic old west touristy town with a ton of activities for all ages.
This is a perfect destination race!