We are the premier TRAIL RUNNING experience in the ND Badlands. Our trail run offers something for runners of all levels, from first-timers to the seasoned ultra runners. EVERY race distance is on the world-famous Maah Daah Hey Trail giving you some of the most stunning scenerey you will see …
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We are the premier TRAIL RUNNING experience in the ND Badlands. Our trail run offers something for runners of all levels, from first-timers to the seasoned ultra runners. EVERY race distance is on the world-famous Maah Daah Hey Trail giving you some of the most stunning scenerey you will see anywhere. EVERY race distance is a point-to-point giving you a real adventure with new beautiful views around every rugged corner. EVERY race distance ends in the romantically quaint little cowboy town of Medora, ND giving your fan club a fun experience and lots to do while they await your grand crossing at the finish line. A large portioin of EVERY racer registration fee goes directly to the SAVE THE MAAH DAAH HEY non-profit organization to ensure that the trail will be in it’s best condition when you get here. This is the only trail run on the Maah Daah Hey you will ever need to do… unless of course you can build up the nerve and endurance to attempt the MDH150 Trail Run!
Experience the unique challenge of running on North Dakota’s awe inspring Maah Daah Hey trail. This event will give every participant an experience they will remember for the rest of their lives. The Badlands provide a truly stunning backdrop for one of North America’s most challenging and rewarding stretches of trail.
The Maah Daah Hey trail offers as many descents as it does climbs, and they are never not far apart. The earth is a unique blend of dirt, clay, sandstone, scoria, and whatever else the good Lord mixed into this epic ultra runners’ playground. On the tops of the badlands buttes you will find flat prairie grasslands. There are also some sparsely wooded sections scattered on the trail but overall there is minimal cover from the elements. Hence the name BADLANDS.
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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!