Sioux Falls Marathon & Half Marathon
Sioux Falls, SD
- Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
The Sioux Falls Marathon, powered by Sanford Health and the Sioux Falls Sports Authority, features races for all levels of runners. Distances include the full marathon, half marathon, & 5K. The full & half races feature downtown Sioux Falls, iconic Falls Park (for full and half) and many of the … MORE
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Recommend the Half not the Full
I chose this race for South Dakota just due to convenience. I was initially hoping to do a race in the beautiful black hills of South Dakota. However when I … MORE
I chose this race for South Dakota just due to convenience. I was initially hoping to do a race in the beautiful black hills of South Dakota. However when I looked into the logistics with my limited funds and vacations dates this year with the Antarctica Half, I realized flights to Sioux Falls were much cheaper and had more convenient times than Rapid City and I could do this as a double with Nebraska State Fair. While Sioux Falls isn’t as majestic as the Black Hills it was a nice race. For the most part pre-race communication was good and I had all the info I needed. The biggest pre race issue was the cancelled the marathon only a few days in advance due to heat. This made me a bit nervous they may cancel the half but luckily that happened. While I completely understand why a race company would cancel a marathon due to the heat, this is an August race! I feel like you should expect the possibility of heat in August. This was also the second time in 4 years they canceled the full marathon. I think they need to change the race to a later date if they are going to have a low threshold to cancel the race due to heat. As a result, I definitely do not recommend signing up for the full unless you don’t mind being forced to drop down to the half. Otherwise everything went smooth. One thing I wish was different is the expo closes at 4pm on Saturday and I wish it went later. The 4pm closing makes it a bit tighter to make it to the expo if flying Saturday morning or driving from Grand Island Nebraska. It is about a 4 hour drive from Grand Island so definitely not an issue for half marathoners but it did mean I could only visit the state fair for about an hour before I had to leave for South Dakota to make it on time and it may be an issue for full marathoners doing the double. Expo was small but had a few booths and the essentials. Packet included bib and a nice half zip pullover but again a bit of a hot swag item for a summer race. For hotels do NOT stay at the Holiday Inn in Downtown Sioux Fall. I initially had reservations there but it was super loud as there was some banquet with loud music going on until midnight and I ended up having to change hotels as I couldn’t sleep. I ended up staying at the Holiday Inn Express by the Airport. It was a bit more expensive but much quieter and actually closer to the race. Race morning was pretty smooth. They had a map where to park. Start pretty well organized but the start area was a bit underwhelming with just a timing mat and a banner that said start. There were a lot of porta potties and pacers up to 3 hours. I didn’t really stick with the pacer since I wanted to do run walk intervals and she wasn’t doing them but I used the 3 hour pacer as a guide to make sure I could keep her in my eye sight as this had a 3:15 time limit. The race started on time. The weather was very very humid but I didn’t think it was that hot. It was in the 70s, there was also a cool breeze and a mist. I mean it was hotter than ideal for a full marathon but I’ve done much hotter races this summer. I liked the course a lot. The start is at a sports complex and the first mile or so it flat. Then it is hillier and goes through downtown. None of the hills are bad. It is just rolling hills. The miles downtown are nice with interesting architecture and lots of spectators. The best part of the course is around mile 5 when you run past the falls that Sioux Falls is named after. After you out and back along a river path which is peaceful and very flat and then you are back to a few hills in town and then back to the sports complex where you finish on a track. In terms of difficulty there is about 300 feet of elevation gain and it’s a mix of flat sections and rolling hills. I would saw the course is below average in difficult but the heat made it a bit tougher. I was able to keep an under 3 hour pace until about mile 8-9 when I started to feel a bit overheated and decided to slow it down as I banked plenty of time to finish in 3:15 and it was more important to finish healthy than finish under 3 hours. Production was good and the course was well marked and had plenty of police and volunteer support. It was either on closed roads or public paths so no issues with traffic. There are about 1000 participants so it is a nice size race. There would be the right amount of aid stations in usual weather but as they felt it was hot enough to cancel the full I feel like they should have added a few more. Mile markers were also a little bit off in some sections. The finish line was also lack luster with just a timing mat and no finish arch. These are all very little production details that didn’t ruin the race but there was enough little things that could have been improved to make this a 4 sneaker not 5 sneaker race. I was happy I finished well under 3:15. I didn’t make under 3 hours but it was still my second fastest half this year. Though the race did not seem strict with the time limit but I couldn’t risk it as I am so close to 50 and it would be hard to redo South Dakota. I had no issues with anything at my pace. The medal is nice with the skyline of Sioux Falls. There was plenty of snacks and drinks including sodas at the end. Overall I thought this was a very nice race. There was a few things that could be fixed to make it a great race. If you have the time and money try to do a race in the Black Hills as they are gorgeous (I’ve been there before on vacation) but if you are looking for a convenient half is South Dakota this is a good choice especially as a double with Nebraska State Fair. However I would be very cautious signing up for the full marathon if they do not move the race date.
Nice course, terrible weather
Very well supported, challenging course with several rolling hills, and great crowd support. Weather was 75 degrees with 98% humidity. This made for tough racing conditions but there were plenty … MORE
Very well supported, challenging course with several rolling hills, and great crowd support. Weather was 75 degrees with 98% humidity. This made for tough racing conditions but there were plenty of water stops with awesome volunteers.
Solid and enjoyable race
Nice race that covered a lot of the highlights of Sioux Falls. Race was well run and I really like the 1/4 zip long sleeve they gave out. MORE
Nice race that covered a lot of the highlights of Sioux Falls. Race was well run and I really like the 1/4 zip long sleeve they gave out.
Beware of bad weather
I was supposed to run the marathon, but it got cancelled so I ran the half. Going into the race I was so excited to cross of South Dakota as … MORE
I was supposed to run the marathon, but it got cancelled so I ran the half.
Going into the race I was so excited to cross of South Dakota as state #7. However, due to inclement weather (which this race has a history of), the organizers emailed participants three days before the race (race was on Sunday and we got the email on Thursday). I don’t know who I wanted to blame more: the organizers for scheduling a marathon in late August or myself for knowing this race has a history of bad weather and signing up for it anyway. On race day, conditions were 75 degrees with 95% humidity and completely overcast. It had been years since I had been training for a 3:55 marathon, so I was proud of myself for my PR, considering the less than ideal conditions. I’m going to cross off South Dakota next year, but I will not be returning to this race.
The course itself was alright. We ran on sidewalks when we got to the falls area, which I didn’t love. I also heard there was a shortage of bathrooms during the race. I heard from a friend afterwards that he didn’t see a bathroom for a really long time and had to go in the woods. One think that I did like was the medal. I thought it was really well designed, and I’m proud to display it with my half medals. There was no issue with parking and the post race food was alright. There was no sports drink available after the race, which was surprising. Overall, this race is a hit or miss, so if you sign up for the full, don’t be shocked if it gets cancelled.
13.1 Hot and Humid Miles
Typically, the Sioux Falls race offers runners both a full and a half marathon. Fortunately for me, I had registered for the half because this year, the race organizers cancelled … MORE
Typically, the Sioux Falls race offers runners both a full and a half marathon.
Fortunately for me, I had registered for the half because this year, the race organizers cancelled the Full Marathon due to the extreme heat and humidity. But the Half Marathon went on as planned! South Dakota doesn’t normally experience temperatures in the high 90’s this late in August, but the humidity was out in full force for this race morning. My sweat had nowhere to go! Anyway…. we all know that race organizers can not control the weather, so that’s all I’ll say about the conditions.
The loop course was quite nice. It starts out near the airport (at the Convention Center) and takes runners into downtown Sioux Falls, routing through Falls Park along the bike path. There was a lot of crowd support in Falls Park. The volunteers at all of the water stops were extremely nice, and there were numerous race marshalls cheering us along throughout the course. There are a few hills, but nothing too terrible. The last part of the race is a bit tough… runners are routed in to the far side of the Howard Wood Field track. You run the final leg of the race in full view of the spectators. In more ideal race conditions, this could be an inspiring way to finish a race, but on this hot and humid day, it was kind of torturous.
But, I am thankful to the kind people of South Dakota for putting on a nice race.
Better Half than Full
Ran the Half in '23 after running the full in '22 and 10K in '21. I like the half's course better than the brutal ending slog on the northwestern bike … MORE
Ran the Half in ’23 after running the full in ’22 and 10K in ’21. I like the half’s course better than the brutal ending slog on the northwestern bike path in the marathon. You get a blend of downtown, Falls Park, and the shady NE bike path before winding back up to the stadium.
Fun!
-easy packet pick up -great course! You get to run through downtown Sioux Falls, Falls Park and some cute bike trails -there are a lot of rolling hills. I would … MORE
-easy packet pick up
-great course! You get to run through downtown Sioux Falls, Falls Park and some cute bike trails
-there are a lot of rolling hills. I would not describe the course as hilly, but it is definitely not flat.
Long
Longest half ever! My Garmin had it at 13.48 miles. All the mile markers matched my Garmin until the mile 12 marker…watch said 12.2 and the rest was long as … MORE
Longest half ever! My Garmin had it at 13.48 miles. All the mile markers matched my Garmin until the mile 12 marker…watch said 12.2 and the rest was long as well. Finished on the track.
Great race!
This was a great race! The weather was perfect for the 13.1 miles. There is not a ton of course support, but there was some, which was nice. The start … MORE
This was a great race! The weather was perfect for the 13.1 miles. There is not a ton of course support, but there was some, which was nice. The start area was great, plenty of portapotties for everyone. The finish was fun into the stadium as well. The course had some great scenic areas in the town of Sioux Falls. The packet pickup and expo were pretty small and had limited vendors. Overall this was a decent race.
OK - but could be so much better
Overall an OK race - but there's room for lots of improvement. First negative - the packet pickup was over at 4:00 pm. I arrived about this time (Sioux Falls … MORE
Overall an OK race – but there’s room for lots of improvement. First negative – the packet pickup was over at 4:00 pm. I arrived about this time (Sioux Falls is not easy to get to) and by the time I drove to the site – it was shut down – which meant that I had to arrive at the race start by 5:30 am (race started at 7:00) to pick up my bib and shirt. Also I had to tie my shirt around my waist which I hate doing. Stayed at the nearest hotel – the Sheraton which was in walking distance to the start and finish. There was also a “pasta” buffet the night before at this hotel (nice idea – but there was no selection). The course was scenic in the beginning but very boring at the end – it was like they were trying to desperately add miles. Also the race was 13.5 miles long – not 13.1. My biggest complaint about the coaurse was that it was terribly marked at the end – I had no idea of where I was going because it was not clear. In all the pictures – I have this stupid look on my face because I had no idea if I was going the right way or not. Good points – the course finished inside a stadium – that’s always fun and the people were very nice all over. the medal was just ok and the shirt was a long sleeve which I love. Since there are not many choices for South Dakota – I would recommend this one.
Needs a Bit More Polish
Sioux Falls Marathon is a fine race, but I would suggest looking at all SD options before committing to this race. The organizers provide adequate communication about the race, and … MORE
Sioux Falls Marathon is a fine race, but I would suggest looking at all SD options before committing to this race. The organizers provide adequate communication about the race, and the expo and finish line are no frills. My family commented that it was difficult to know where the race finished from across the track and with no signage.
My primary disappointment was the mile marker accuracy. I ran with the 4-hour pace group. The mile markers were spot with all our watches ticking off at each marker – until Mile 20. The mile 20 marker was a quarter mile long and the additional distance wasn’t absorbed in the last 6 miles. We tracked just ahead of our goal only to realize that we were actually one minute behind pace. I finished with 26.63 miles.
Be prepared for direct sun exposure from mile 18 to the end with too few aid stations from mile 22 to the finish.
Good, but room for improvement
The 2023 edition of this race shows a good race that can be great with a little more work. Bare bones expo - no additional swap available Minimal water stations, … MORE
The 2023 edition of this race shows a good race that can be great with a little more work.
Bare bones expo – no additional swap available
Minimal water stations, pre and post race experience
Both the half and full were reported long by some participants
Great crowd support
Responsive race team
Scenic route.
Nice race to complete South Dakota.
Lots of river path running and a lot of turns. Smooth overall race in a nice welcoming community. I loved the support by people coming out of their homes to … MORE
Lots of river path running and a lot of turns. Smooth overall race in a nice welcoming community. I loved the support by people coming out of their homes to cheer through the neighborhoods.
Awful Ending to a Great Race
The first 18 miles I would say are awesome in covering the breadth of Sioux Falls, from downtown to Falls Park and then southeast to west on the best parts … MORE
The first 18 miles I would say are awesome in covering the breadth of Sioux Falls, from downtown to Falls Park and then southeast to west on the best parts of the bike path. But the race finishes on the worst stretch of unshaded, windy, barren bike path. Get back in town! Hit the streets again. Anywhere but that dead zone. Otherwise, decently run.
Well Produced Race
This race reminded me a lot of the Fargo Half Marathon. It has the same main sponsor so perhaps that has something to do with it. From start to finish … MORE
This race reminded me a lot of the Fargo Half Marathon. It has the same main sponsor so perhaps that has something to do with it. From start to finish a solidly organized race. The packet pick up and expo was small but delightful. The directions coming into the event were well times and definitely informative, The organization of the morning of the race was well executed. I liked the course overall as you really were able to take in what Sioux Falls has to offer. There are a few inclines in the course but nothing of too much consequence. The finish like was well stocked and the physical therapists were a nice touch. The only issue I would like to see addressed is that it is very difficult to get out of the finish line area and get to gear check as you have to cross the race course in two places. This was definitely the right choice for my South Dakota race.
Not bad for East River :)
No complaints here which I’m so glad for after it seems like this race has struggled since Covid with good things to say. This race was a very delightful surprised … MORE
No complaints here which I’m so glad for after it seems like this race has struggled since Covid with good things to say. This race was a very delightful surprised at how nice this course was for this side of South Dakota. The course followed a nice path and had a great variety of things to see along the way. The only thing I wish was different was having downtown and falls park near the end not beginning but I know that’s out of the races control likely and just wherever 26.2 miles takes one. The volunteers from the colleges were top of the line supportive and made the race come alive. 🙂
Well run marathon on a fast course
This was the fourth time I've run the Sioux Falls Marathon. For the last few years, I've been running mostly ultramarathons and only one or two marathons a year. The … MORE
This was the fourth time I’ve run the Sioux Falls Marathon. For the last few years, I’ve been running mostly ultramarathons and only one or two marathons a year. The only reason I did this one is that it is close to where I live, so travel time is short and I don’t have to spend money on a motel. If it was further away from me, I probably wouldn’t do it as often. There is only one short stretch that is scenic, which is near the falls. Much of it is along urban bike trails and the last 10 miles or so is along the Big Sioux River with no shade. This race is know for being very hot and humid some years, but this year we were lucky as there was plenty of cloud cover for the first 4 hours. The race was well organized and volunteers were plentiful and enthusiastic. I was a little disappointed in the swag though. The finisher’s medal was a rather smallish, plain medal in the shape of the state of South Dakota, and the shirts were very thin “t-shirt” hoodies. They had soft granola bars, bananas, ice cream bars, and beer from a local brewery. We started and finished at Howard Wood Field this year, rather than starting inside the arena. I actually kind of liked it better as it didn’t seem as crowded.
Nice course
This was very slow for me even as an already slow runner. I had just run a marathon the weekend before and decided to walk a lot. The course goes … MORE
This was very slow for me even as an already slow runner. I had just run a marathon the weekend before and decided to walk a lot.
The course goes through nice neighborhoods, the nice parts of downtown, over the Falls, and along the river through the majority. Not one area was “Sketchy”. The medal was OK, the lightweight hoodie was nice (but I’m also glad I have the 1/4 zip shirt from last year’s cancelled race.) The expo was small but efficient. The volunteers were all great at every water stop. It seems the police and the city in general embrace this race.
I always recommend to all races to have an extra water stop near 24 and 25 miles. It seems like forever at the end and particularly with the heat.
Post race had ice cream bars!!! And I love any race that has another option than beer! And of course chocolate milk( however they had the chocolate milk on the table in the sun so it was not very cold. Maybe keep in ice coolers.
All in all a solid race and well run. I enjoyed the time and meeting new running friends!
So many parks and greenways
I drove 9hrs here in 2021 just to get rained out, so I flew this time. I am too cheap for Uber, so I tried to walk everywhere I needed. … MORE
I drove 9hrs here in 2021 just to get rained out, so I flew this time. I am too cheap for Uber, so I tried to walk everywhere I needed. Don’t do this. I walked about 10 miles this weekend before I even raced. The bus system only gets within a mile of the airport and the packet pickup location (Sanford Fieldhouse). Packet pickup was once again in a basketball court in the Fieldhouse. Race swag only gets 2/5 stars because WHY did they give me a black long-sleeved shirt for a race on August 28th. This was the first race I have ever seen zero people wear the shirt. Can’t imagine why; it was 69 at race time with >90% humidity.
I didn’t park, but I think there were still some parking spots at the start line (Howard Wood Field) at the start. Bag check was in the stadium, on the side opposite from the finish line. I was impressed with the Sioux Falls course, a clockwise loop around the city almost exclusively in parks, greenways, and neighborhoods. Running through Falls Park at mile 5 was a highlight, and miles 17-24 were alongside a river. There was almost no running on roads, which was great. You finish by running around an athletic track in Howard Wood Field, and the announcer calls your name. Plenty of stands to sit in post-race, but all of them are in the sun.
The course was great, the crowd support was okay, but I wish they had more water stops. They were only every two miles. And WHY do so many marathons forget to put up a mile sign in the last few miles?? There was no mile 24 marker here, just as there were none for 17, 20, or 23 in Denver. Takes a mental toll on the runner when they never see the next mile marker.
Scenic course, over indexes on river
As others have commented, small town race, small but organized expo and production. First time to the city and enjoyed sight seeing. I stayed near Sanford hospital which required an … MORE
As others have commented, small town race, small but organized expo and production. First time to the city and enjoyed sight seeing. I stayed near Sanford hospital which required an easy 2 miles to the start and a miserable 2 miles back home afterwards.
Course was a big loop starting downtown out to Falls Park and then through a very nice residential part of the city. Nearly the entire remaining 14 miles was along the riverside which, while nice at first, became hypnotizing as it went on and on. Preferred it to all residential, but was very happy to finally escape the river. My performance was poor due to lack of training and surprising heat / humidity. Not a glorious finish, but proud to have stuck it out.