Mount Rushmore Half Marathon
Hermosa, SD
- Half Marathon
- Road (Paved), Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
A race with presidential views! You’re going to love this course with gorgeous views of Mt. Rushmore and the surrounding Black Hills! The hill climbing on this course is no joke, but the payoff is incredible. Are you up for the challenge? The Mt. Rushmore Half marathon begins at the … MORE
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Amazing view
Florida boy running in the mountains was not easy. However, the view during the race was amazing and worth the trip. Multiple time during the race you can see Mt. … MORE
Florida boy running in the mountains was not easy. However, the view during the race was amazing and worth the trip. Multiple time during the race you can see Mt. Rushmore. Enjoyed the energy of the staff and appreciated the shuttle from keystone to the start line. Any criticism would only be that the expo could have been bigger and better
Difficult but Fulfilling
This race was very well done! While there aren’t many spectators along the course, the scenery makes up for it! The course itself is mostly uphill the first 8 miles, … MORE
This race was very well done! While there aren’t many spectators along the course, the scenery makes up for it! The course itself is mostly uphill the first 8 miles, especially miles 6-8. It’s a challenge!!! But it is so so worth it!! The sense of accomplishment you get and the trauma bonding with other runners makes this race stand out in my mind! I will definitely run this again!!
Tough but worth it!
This was my 9th Vacation Races production and as usual. they don't disappoint! The course was so scenic running through the Black Hills National Forest, with at least 3 opportunities … MORE
This was my 9th Vacation Races production and as usual. they don’t disappoint! The course was so scenic running through the Black Hills National Forest, with at least 3 opportunities to see Mt. Rushmore from a distance. As others have pointed out, it is an extremely hilly course, with switchback hills for the first 8 miles. I mostly walked the hills and just enjoyed the scenery. Course support was great with many aid stations. It is an A to B course, so I took a shuttle to the start from our hotel in Keystone. Medals and t-shirts were top notch, as usual with Vacation Races. The goody box they give at the end had some nice treats!
Definitely make a long weekend out of your trip to South Dakota and enjoy the sites in the surrounding areas – Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Wind Cave, and just an hour and a half away – the Badlands!
Amazing race
The trail has amazing views,great organization, plenty hydration stations. My first race in this kind of trails....a lot climbs but so beautiful 😍. I signed for next year 4 more … MORE
The trail has amazing views,great organization, plenty hydration stations. My first race in this kind of trails….a lot climbs but so beautiful 😍. I signed for next year 4 more races.
FANTASTIC Race - Everything about it.
This might be my favorite half marathon ever and that's out of 56 halfs and 27 states. This was my first vacation race and I was already excited to try … MORE
This might be my favorite half marathon ever and that’s out of 56 halfs and 27 states. This was my first vacation race and I was already excited to try out one of their races based on the solid reputation for great organization and beautiful locations. I am completely sold on their races and can’t wait to do another. The organization is top notch. I love the sustainable approach to race production. And they of course pick locations that are EPIC.
As far as Mount Rushmore, the course was beautiful as it wound its way through the Black Hills National Forest. Picture perfect views of Mount Rushmore popped up around the switchbacks and it felt as if I was running through something alive. The towering pine trees and sweeping views of the valley as the course climbed and climbed and climbed. Be ready – it is a steady rise from the start to Mile 8 including a nonstop continuous climb from Mile 5 to Mile 8. From there is straight downhill less a little roller around mile 11 into the town of Keystone. The finish is a nice spot with easy spectator access and plenty to do while waiting for runners.
Racers get a nice shirt (cool design), a solid medal and a cute goodie box of snacks. The weather was perfect – a little chilly which caught some folks off guard including myself as the temps were somehow 15 degrees lower than the weather had predicted leading up to the race. So pack a few options in case race morning throws a curveball. Aid stations were well stocked and all self-serve since there are no cups. Bring your own or purchase a portable cup at the expo. I hope more small to mid size races will move to this model.
Even though this race is tough (male winner 1:28), it is SO worth it. Just go slow, take in the scenery and just enjoy the journey. I LOVED this race.
Finally, take advantage of the area. There is so much to do – Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore National Monument, Deadwood, Rapid City, Keystone, Badlands National Park, Crazy Horse and more. Lots to do for all ages.
Pic is view from Mile 10.
Very Challenging but Beautiful
One of the most challenging half marathons I have run (I have run over 50), but the course was absolutely beautiful and worth the challenge. I love that Iron Mountain … MORE
One of the most challenging half marathons I have run (I have run over 50), but the course was absolutely beautiful and worth the challenge. I love that Iron Mountain Road was closed for the race, so you could truly enjoy the scenery without worrying about traffic. My family liked that the race ended in Keystone because there were things for them to do at the finish while waiting for me. The race is very well organized and the medals are always fabulous! I love Vacation Races events!
Difficult but an experience
This was a well organized event. Great weather, location, and execution of the event. Shuttles to the start were convenient and on time. The course was difficult with an uphill … MORE
This was a well organized event. Great weather, location, and execution of the event. Shuttles to the start were convenient and on time. The course was difficult with an uphill climb for the first 8 miles. After this it was mostly downhill with a few smaller climbs. The first few miles were on a gravel/dirt road with the rest paved. The finish was in Keystone with tons of crowd support and walking distance of hotels if you stayed there.
There was plenty to see and do in Keystone and surrounding areas. Definitely take some extra time to explore.
Amazing race
This was a hard course, but the views are amazing. They are not joking about the uphill. After an 8 mile climb, you switch to 5 miles of downhill with … MORE
This was a hard course, but the views are amazing. They are not joking about the uphill. After an 8 mile climb, you switch to 5 miles of downhill with another climb at mile 12.
Take the time to look up and enjoy the views. This closed course creates an experience that not many people get to enjoy. No cars in the way and 1000 of your closest running friends enjoying a day at the park.
Shout-Out Mt Rushmore
The course is very difficult especially for the 8 miles uphill. I really enjoyed the cool weather rocking around 50 degrees. The views are beautiful and the mountains and seems … MORE
The course is very difficult especially for the 8 miles uphill. I really enjoyed the cool weather rocking around 50 degrees. The views are beautiful and the mountains and seems to never end. The air quality was a breathtaking 😍
Challenging, but scenic
The first 7.5(ish) miles is a hill climb! Definitely challenging, but scenic and overall worth it. Some great views, and a solid downhill stretch to finish. MORE
The first 7.5(ish) miles is a hill climb! Definitely challenging, but scenic and overall worth it. Some great views, and a solid downhill stretch to finish.
Beautiful Views
This race is amazing! It has some big hill climbs but when you get to the top it’s so worth it. Then you get to make up time by going … MORE
This race is amazing! It has some big hill climbs but when you get to the top it’s so worth it. Then you get to make up time by going downhill. The race swag is fantastic too. I would definitely recommend.
Challenging but worth it!
The first half up to Mile 8 was tough. At the top of the mountain, Mt Rushmore is visible and the views are beautiful. Then it’s 85% downhill from there. … MORE
The first half up to Mile 8 was tough. At the top of the mountain, Mt Rushmore is visible and the views are beautiful. Then it’s 85% downhill from there. Finishing in a parking lot was my least favorite part. VR is very well organized.
Super tough uphill with limited views
This is a super tough uphill where you make your time up on the downhill. You see my Rushmore for maybe 2 minutes(??) the whole time... Really is just a … MORE
This is a super tough uphill where you make your time up on the downhill. You see my Rushmore for maybe 2 minutes(??) the whole time… Really is just a lot of trees. Race photographers weren’t at the best positions either (like there wasn’t one in the section you can see mt rushmore) and not really any kind of “epic” finish line. I feel like the race course should actually be backwards allowing for a better finish line. I ran this one because RMNP was cancelled, just glad I could even run it in 2:15 considering that incline for 8 miles
A tough, hilly course with amazing views
Beautiful course Lots of constant uphill Views are worth the pain Vacation races put on amazing races. They run so smooth and have the best swag! They also offer the … MORE
Beautiful course
Lots of constant uphill
Views are worth the pain
Vacation races put on amazing races. They run so smooth and have the best swag! They also offer the most interesting places to run and get out of your comfort zone
Beautiful but Challenging!
This course has an 1800' elevation gain and starts at 4000' elevation, which are two big pieces of info to know! It is quite a challenge, expect to walk where … MORE
This course has an 1800′ elevation gain and starts at 4000′ elevation, which are two big pieces of info to know! It is quite a challenge, expect to walk where you need to the first 8 miles and then the back end is pretty much all downhill. The tunnels and pigtails on Iron Mountain Road are fun, there is a view of Mt. Rushmore framed by a tunnel, and the race ends right in downtown Keystone. If you are visiting for a few days, Custer State Park is just about 30 min away from Keystone and is full of amazing hikes, bison, more tunnels and lots to do!
Constant views
This was the most beautiful road race I've done. It was like running a trail race without the fear of tripping on roots. Closed course that winds through the Black … MORE
This was the most beautiful road race I’ve done. It was like running a trail race without the fear of tripping on roots. Closed course that winds through the Black Hills… horses, woods, magnificent views. I wouldn’t come here for a PR (peep that elevation map) but I would definitely come for a good time.
TOUGH MIND for TOUGH COURSE
I paced this race for Beast Pacing. This is an absolutely beautiful course with lots of scenery, but it is TOUGH! The elevation is over 1,800ft. I suggest that you … MORE
I paced this race for Beast Pacing. This is an absolutely beautiful course with lots of scenery, but it is TOUGH! The elevation is over 1,800ft. I suggest that you train on a lot of hills before committing to running this course. Keystone is a quaint town with lots of things to do and see. Sign up, enjoy this race, and stay an extra day.
It's Tough but Worth It - Just Do It!
South Dakota is Beautiful and there is so much to Do! Do the Race and then enjoy South Dakota! It's a tough but beautiful course - this race is held … MORE
South Dakota is Beautiful and there is so much to Do! Do the Race and then enjoy South Dakota! It’s a tough but beautiful course – this race is held every other year – Vacation Races does an outstanding job with communication and logistics. We stayed at the Roosevelt in Keystone and it was perfect with restaurants, shopping, gas, etc in walking distance – The race ends close by for you to walk back. We did rent a car to do lots of sight seeing!
A challenging but rewarding race!
The Mount Rushmore Half Marathon is a challenging yet rewarding race, perfect for those with a goal of completing a half marathon in all 50 states. The course begins with … MORE
The Mount Rushmore Half Marathon is a challenging yet rewarding race, perfect for those with a goal of completing a half marathon in all 50 states. The course begins with a chilly start, so don’t forget to bring a throwaway layer (I made the mistake of forgetting mine!). The first eight miles are uphill, which I mostly walked to save energy for the later sections. But don’t let that deter you – the views are absolutely stunning, especially as you pass through the one-lane tunnel between miles 7 and 9, where you get an incredible sight of Mount Rushmore.
One thing to note is that due to the remote and challenging nature of the course, there are no spectators along the way. However, the race is well-supported, with aid stations at miles 3, 5, 7, 9, and 12.5. They’re stocked with Gnarly sports drink, water, and Honey Stinger energy gels, plus the aid station at mile 9 also has fruit. After mile 8, the course transitions to a mostly downhill path, which feels like a much-needed break after the early climbs.
This year, the race swag was particularly impressive – the tee shirt and medal were both awesome, and the post-race snack box was as good as it usually is. Overall, it’s a challenging course but a great choice if you’re knocking off South Dakota in your 50-state journey. While you’re in the area, don’t miss out on visiting Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park – they’re both stunning and well worth the trip!
Stunning yet incredibly difficult!
They warn you on their sign up page that the race is difficult. They are not lying. It was however breathtakingly (although that could be the elevation) beautiful. You do … MORE
They warn you on their sign up page that the race is difficult. They are not lying. It was however breathtakingly (although that could be the elevation) beautiful.
You do catch a glimpse of Mount Rushmore a few times along the route which is pretty cool. The hills however never quit, you’re either going uphill or down.
The medal is huge and really nice! I gave the swag a 3 because the medal is awesome but the only other swag you get is a moisture wicking tshirt, which is nice, but not really all that exciting.
The post race snack box is a nice touch, easy to grab with exhausted hands lol.