Black Hills Veterans March and Marathon
- Date Wed 17th September 2025 - Sat 20th September 2025
- Time 5:00AM EST
- Location Deadwood, South Dakota
- Price $54.00 - $239.50
- Races 18 races
- Distances Ultra, 10km, Marathon
Event summary
Join us for the Black Hills Veterans Honor March and Marathon, a heartfelt tribute to our nation's servicemen and women, taking place from September 17 to September 20, 2025, in the stunning surroundings of Deadwood, Lawrence. This remarkable event, which began in 2002, features a challenging 26.2-mile marathon along the breathtaking Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills National Forest. Participants can choose from a variety of race formats, including Team Military and Civilian, Individual Military and Civilian, and a Heavy Military division requiring a 35lb rucksack.
The Black Hills Veterans March is not just a race; it's a celebration of courage, sacrifice, and community spirit, drawing hundreds of marchers from across the country. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or looking to participate in the Mini-March or the 110 Mile Endurance March, this event promises camaraderie and a profound sense of purpose. Mark your calendars and prepare to honor our veterans in one of America's most beautiful landscapes!
The Black Hills Veterans March is not just a race; it's a celebration of courage, sacrifice, and community spirit, drawing hundreds of marchers from across the country. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or looking to participate in the Mini-March or the 110 Mile Endurance March, this event promises camaraderie and a profound sense of purpose. Mark your calendars and prepare to honor our veterans in one of America's most beautiful landscapes!
Organiser's Description
BLACK HILLS VETERANS HONOR MARCH AND MARATHON
The Black Hills Veterans Honor March was conceived in 2002 as a way to honor the sacrifices of the nations 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.
The Black Hills Veterans Honor March was conceived in 2002 as a way to honor the sacrifices of the nations 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.
Races
-
110 Endurance March
Incl. $6.40 Fee & T-Shirt
Wed 17th September 2025 (5:00AM EDT)
$96.40
OPENS SOONThe 110-mile race will start on 18 September at the Edgemont Trailhead in Edgemont, SD (located on the south end of Main Street). This is a Team event. The BHVM-E team concept is critical for the safety and success of marchers. For your safety, teams MUST register and participate with a minimum of three (3) marchers and one (1) support person each day of the march. -
Mini March Individual (16.0 Miles)
Incl. $4.00 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 20th September 2025 (10:00AM EDT)
$54.00
OPENS SOONThe Mini March will start at Dumont Trailhead, just off N. Rochford Rd. The Start time will be approximately 10:00 am -
Full March Individual (26.2 Miles)
Incl. $4.00 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 20th September 2025 (8:00AM EDT)
$54.00
OPENS SOONThe Full March will start at Rochford Trailhead, just off Rochford Rd east of town past the fire station. The Start time will be approximately 08:00 am -
Full March (5-Person Coed Relay)
Incl. $14.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 20th September 2025 (8:00AM EDT)
$239.50
OPENS SOONThe Full March will start at Rochford Trailhead, just off Rochford Rd east of town past the fire station. The Start time will be approximately 08:00 am. Relay Runner #1 will start here with a chipped bid to start their Relay's time. All other relay members must provide their own transportation to the assigned Relay Exchange Points. -
Full March (5-Person Female Relay)
Incl. $14.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 20th September 2025 (8:00AM EDT)
$239.50
OPENS SOONThe Full March will start at Rochford Trailhead, just off Rochford Rd east of town past the fire station. The Start time will be approximately 08:00 am. Relay Runner #1 will start here with a chipped bid to start their Relay's time. All other relay members must provide their own transportation to the assigned Relay Exchange Points. -
Full March (5-Person Male Relay)
Incl. $14.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 20th September 2025 (8:00AM EDT)
$239.50
OPENS SOONThe Full March will start at Rochford Trailhead, just off Rochford Rd east of town past the fire station. The Start time will be approximately 08:00 am. Relay Runner #1 will start here with a chipped bid to start their Relay's time. All other relay members must provide their own transportation to the assigned Relay Exchange Points. -
Full March (Military Uniformed Heavy (35lbs Pack))
Incl. $4.00 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 20th September 2025 (8:00AM EDT)
$54.00
OPENS SOONThe Full March will start at Rochford Trailhead, just off Rochford Rd east of town past the fire station. The Start time will be approximately 08:00 am. Marchers in the heavy division must have a minimum of 35 pounds in their rucksacks/backpacks, which will be weighed and verified at the finish line. -
Full March (Military Uniformed)
Incl. $4.00 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 20th September 2025 (8:00AM EDT)
$54.00
OPENS SOONThe Full March will start at Rochford Trailhead, just off Rochford Rd east of town past the fire station. The Start time will be approximately 08:00 am. Participants MUST be in full uniform during the opening ceremony at the start of the march and the finish line. Only uniform tops and headgear may be removed along the route as desired BUT MUST BE CARRIED. Boots may not be exchanged for any other footgear along the route. Footwear is limited to military service-recognized boots. -
Full March (Veteran)
Incl. $4.00 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 20th September 2025 (8:00AM EDT)
$54.00
OPENS SOONThe Full March will start at Rochford Trailhead, just off Rochford Rd east of town past the fire station. The Start time will be approximately 08:00 am. -
Marathon Individual (26.2 Miles)
Incl. $4.00 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 20th September 2025 (8:00AM EDT)
$54.00
OPENS SOONThe Marathon will start with the Full March at Rochford Trailhead, just off Rochford Rd east of town past the fire station. The Start time will be approximately 08:00 am. -
Full March 5-Person Team (Civilian Coed)
Incl. $14.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 20th September 2025 (8:00AM EDT)
$239.50
OPENS SOONThe Full March will start at Rochford Trailhead, just off Rochford Rd east of town past the fire station. The Start time will be approximately 08:00 am. Teams will consist of five members. All members should stay together during the entire course. Any team finishing with less than five members will be disqualified. We want to emphasize the team concept and keep teams together. Team time is established when the last team member crosses the finish line. -
Full March 5-Person Coed Team (Military Uniformed)
Incl. $14.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 20th September 2025 (8:00AM EDT)
$239.50
OPENS SOONThe Full March will start at Rochford Trailhead, just off Rochford Rd east of town, past the fire station. The Start time will be approximately 08:00 a.m. Teams will consist of five members. All members should stay together during the entire course. Any team finishing with fewer than five members will be disqualified. We want to emphasize the team concept and keep teams together. Team time is established when the last team member crosses the finish line. -
Full March 5-Person Female Team (Military Uniformed)
Incl. $14.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 20th September 2025 (8:00AM EDT)
$239.50
OPENS SOONThe Full March will start at Rochford Trailhead, just off Rochford Rd east of town, past the fire station. The Start time will be approximately 08:00 a.m. Teams will consist of five members. All members should stay together during the entire course. Any team finishing with fewer than five members will be disqualified. We want to emphasize the team concept and keep teams together. Team time is established when the last team member crosses the finish line. -
Full March 5-Person Male Team (Military Uniformed)
Incl. $14.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 20th September 2025 (8:00AM EDT)
$239.50
OPENS SOONThe Full March will start at Rochford Trailhead, just off Rochford Rd east of town, past the fire station. The Start time will be approximately 08:00 a.m. Teams will consist of five members. All members should stay together during the entire course. Any team finishing with fewer than five members will be disqualified. We want to emphasize the team concept and keep teams together. Team time is established when the last team member crosses the finish line. -
Mini March 5-Person Team (Coed)
Incl. $14.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 20th September 2025 (10:00AM EDT)
$239.50
OPENS SOONThe Mini March will start at Dumont Trailhead, just off N. Rochford Rd, at approximately 10:00 a.m. Teams will consist of five members. All members should stay together throughout the course. Any team finishing with fewer than five members will be disqualified. We want to emphasize the team concept and keep teams together. Team time is established when the last team member crosses the finish line. -
Mini March 5-Person Team (Female)
Incl. $14.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 20th September 2025 (10:00AM EDT)
$239.50
OPENS SOONThe Mini March will start at Dumont Trailhead, just off N. Rochford Rd, at approximately 10:00 a.m. Teams will consist of five members. All members should stay together throughout the course. Any team finishing with fewer than five members will be disqualified. We want to emphasize the team concept and keep teams together. Team time is established when the last team member crosses the finish line. -
Mini March 5-Person Team (Male)
Incl. $14.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 20th September 2025 (10:00AM EDT)
$239.50
OPENS SOONThe Mini March will start at Dumont Trailhead, just off N. Rochford Rd, at approximately 10:00 a.m. Teams will consist of five members. All members should stay together throughout the course. Any team finishing with fewer than five members will be disqualified. We want to emphasize the team concept and keep teams together. Team time is established when the last team member crosses the finish line. -
Virtual Full March Race
Incl. $4.60 Fee & T-Shirt
$64.60
OPENS SOONAll Virtual Full March must occur from 1 September 2025 until 20 September 2025
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