South Dakota possesses the irresistible charm of harsh prairies and rocky peaks. Its nature has been captured in films about the Native Americans, gunfighter duels, and the dull sheen of the “yellow devil” – gold. And in the small provincial towns of the state, travelers will find the hospitality of modern hotels and simple but tasty country food. Races in South Dakota are a great chance to explore the wilderness and see the amazing, wild world with their own eyes.
5K races in South Dakota
1. Black Hills Beer Run
Sep 11, 2022 – Sunday
5K run
Spearfish, SD
The 9th Annual Black Hills Beer Run will be held on September 11, 2022. The event includes a fun 5K Run/Walk, Beer Tasting, Brat Eating, and Costume Wearing!
It is a charity race, and all proceeds will benefit D.C. Booth Fish Hatchery.
After the run, there is a Costume Contest. Awards will be given out for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place!
2. Harlan & Rita Temple 5K
Sep 17, 2022 – Saturday
5K run
Virtual Option
Vermillion, SD
The 11th Annual Harlan & Rita Temple 5K will be held on September 17, 2022. You can walk, run, or ride this 5K.
This race is hosted by the USD OT program to raise money for a scholarship through the South Dakota Occupational Therapy Association. You can run this South Dakota 5k in person or join virtually.
The top finishers who choose to run in person will get awards, and after the race, there will be brunch at Prentis Park!
3. Health Connect’s Human Race
Oct 1, 2022 – Saturday
5K run
Sioux Falls, SD
The Health Connect’s Human Race will be held on October 1, 2022. The Human Race is a fundraising event for ten nonprofit organizations in the Sioux Falls Area.
The Human Race includes a 5K run and a 1-mile fun walk.
All runners can choose which organization to benefit from their registration fee. It is one of the charity SD 5k races that you should definitely visit.
SD 10K
4. Race To End Human Trafficking
Sep 17, 2022 – Saturday
10K, 5K, 1M run
Virtual Option
Dell Rapids, SD
The Race To End Human Trafficking will be held on September 17, 2022. It is a chip-timed event to benefit the fight against human trafficking in South Dakota and around the world!
You can register for the 10K, 5K, or 1 mile. All events will be held at Dell Rapids City Park.
All proceeds will benefit two organizations this year – Freedom’s Journey, based in Rapid City, and Call to Freedom, based in Sioux Falls.
5. Trick or Treat Trail Run
Oct 29, 2022 – Saturday
10K, 5K trail run | kids run
Sioux Falls, SD
The 14th annual Trick or Treat Trail Run will be held on October 29, 2022, at 10:00 am. The event includes a 5K Run/Walk, 10K Run & 15K. All races will be held at Pasley Park on the bike path along the picturesque Big Sioux River.
There will be a Candy Dash for runners/walkers ages 3-10. This run is 5 miles. Each finisher will get a goodie bag and a race shirt.
South Dakota Half Marathons
6. Palace City Kiwanis Half Marathon
Oct 2, 2022 – Sunday
13.1M run
Mitchell, SD
The 5th Annual Palace City Kiwanis Half Marathon will be held on October 2, 2022. All proceeds will benefit children’s programs such as Girls on the Run, bike safety, scholarships, youth baseball, youth soccer, and an all-inclusive playground at the Kiwanis Woodlot Park!
The Half Marathon course starts with a loop through the city streets of Mitchell and then goes across the start line in front of the World’s Only Corn Palace before heading out to circle scenic Lake Mitchell.
7. Run Crazy Horse
Oct 9, 2022 – Sunday
26.2M, 13.1M run | 26.2M relay
Crazy Horse, SD
The Run Crazy Horse will be held on October 9, 2022, and is a Boston Qualifier.
The Run Crazy Horse course starts in the shadow of the world’s largest mountain carving, Crazy Horse Memorial, and finishes in the center of the Black Hills, Hill City, South Dakota.
Founders encourage walkers on both the Half and Full Marathon routes. The routes stay open for 7 hours, but no official times will be posted after 3 pm.
8. Brookings Marathon
Oct 22, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M run | 26.2M relay
Brookings, SD
The Brookings Marathon will be held on October 22, 2022, and is a Boston Qualifier. This event includes a marathon, half marathon, and relay.
It is the 25th oldest marathon in the US and the 3rd oldest among those run each year since its inception. The course includes picturesque historic neighborhoods, scenic parks, bike paths, and tree-lined streets.
Along the way, athletes are supported by amazing volunteers and a cheerful crowd.
South Dakota Marathons
9. Black Hills Veteran March
Sep 17, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M run | 26.2M relay
Virtual Option
Rochford, SD
The Black Hills Veteran March will be held on September 17, 2022. It is a scenic route through the mountainous terrain of the picturesque Black Hills of South Dakota.
This march/marathon pays tribute to the sacrifices that veterans have made.
You can also join virtually. There is one virtual category – 26.2 miles. No awards will be given, but you will receive a race T-shirt and coin.
10. Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon
Jun 3, 2023 – Saturday
5K run | kids run
Jun 4, 2023 – Sunday
26.2M, 13.1M run
Deadwood, SD
The Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon will be held on June 3 – 4, 2022. It is a point-to-point course that starts in the hamlet of Rochford.
The first 1.5 miles are on the road. Then the route becomes the Mickelson Trail. The next 12 miles consist of slight uphill and flat terrain, followed by a steep decline from mile 19.6 to about 20. From this point, the course is downhill and finishes at the historic Engine House at Deadwood Trailhead.
It is a great race and is considered the fastest marathon in South Dakota.
11. Black Hills 100
Jun 23, 2023 – Friday
100M trail run
Jun 24, 2023 – Saturday
50M, 50K, 30K trail run
Sturgis, SD
The Black Hills 100 will be held on June 23 – 24, 2023, and is a challenging ultramarathon on the Centennial Trail in the northern Black Hills of South Dakota.
It is an out-and-back course that starts and finishes in legendary Sturgis, SD. The surface consists of dirt, rocks, single-track trails, and a double-track ATV trail.
