America’s 250th Birthday 5K – Rapid City, SD
Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with an unforgettable run through the heart of the City of Presidents! Join us on Sunday, July 5, 2026, in beautiful Rapid City as we wrap up the Fourth of July festivities with the America’s 250th Birthday 5K.
The race begins at 7:30 a.m. at Memorial Park and will bring runners and walkers together for a patriotic celebration. Whether you are chasing a personal best, running with friends and family, or simply celebrating America’s historic milestone, this event is the perfect way to finish your Independence Day weekend in style.
***THE FIRST 250 REGISTERED WILL RECEIVE A CUSTOM FINISHER MEDAL COMMERORATING AMERICA'S 250th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION. ****
Don’t wait — register early to secure your medal!
Race Details
Date: Sunday, July 5, 2026
Start Time: 7:30 a.m.
Location: Memorial Park
Registration Cost:
MUST BE REGISTERED BY 6-23-26 TO BE GUARANTEED A SHIRT*
$35 plus fees (Adult with shirt)
$30 plus fees (16 and Under with shirt)
Free for 16 and Under with NO shirt
There will be a limited supply of additional shirts available for purchase on the day of the event.
Packet Pickup
Packet pickup will be available:
Friday, July 3, 2026 at Black Hills Running Company
Race morning prior to the event
Come celebrate America’s 250th Birthday, enjoy the energy of downtown Rapid City, and be part of a memorable conclusion to a once in a lifetime holiday weekend.
Register now to be guaranteed your commemorative finisher medal!
REGISTER BY 6-23-2026 TO BE GUARANTEED A SHIRT
The Tatanka Youth Mountain Bike Race is for riders of all levels! From Strider rides all the way up to U18 XC racing, there is something for everyone. The South Dakota Youth Cycling League is proud to offer the only YOUTH ONLY cycling events in all of South Dakota.
COURSE MAPS- https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1N_b7cCXraAma-HNBAWfDMpOUi_1ytTc&usp=sharing
FRIDAY NIGHT SOCIAL (5-8PM)- Ride the course and invite the fam! Course will be open to all for pre-ride and food will be available for purchase benefiting the South Dakota Youth Cycling League!
RACE PLATE PICK UP- Friday 5-8pm and Saturday all day at our welcome tent.
E-bikes are not allowed.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS at our website www.sdmtb.com
Tatanka will be one of the best days you have on a bike, and we look forward to seeing you all soon!
RACE OVERVIEW
The Lean Horse Ultra Marathon is run in August every year in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It was first run in 2005. It features a 100-mile race, a 50-mile race, a 30-mile race, a 20-mile race, and a 30-mile Black Hills CrossFit Edition - Singles, 3, and 6 person relays. The course is held on the George S. Mickelson Trail.
Course Overview
Surface: Crushed Limestone
Course: Mickelson Trail
Elevation Profile: Extended gentle climbs. This is due to the fact the course is on an old railroad bed.
Hosting Town: Custer, South Dakota
Average August daytime temperature: High of 79 degrees. Low of 53 degrees.
Fun Facts
33rd sanctioned 100-mile race in the United States
Known as one of the best non technical courses in the United States
One of the most scenic rails to trails courses in the country
Leading Ladies & Dakota Spirit Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay & 10K
August 23rd,2026
What started out as a Women’s Marathon is now open to all but let’s face it; the women, in my opinion, are still in charge!
Picture this: a perfect place, a perfect pace, a perfect race…Knowing a downhill marathon is about speed, and that it’s going to be a fast run, I still encourage you to take the time to look around and savor the unique beauty only a Black Hills of South Dakota Marathon can provide.
Explore the Rugged Beauty of the Black Hill and hang out with RASDak!
Get ready for a weekend of adventure and camaraderie with RASDak at the scenic Outlaw Ranch Retreat Center near Custer, South Dakota!
We are very excited to be considered one of the premier triathlon venues in South Dakota . The race event takes place at Angostura Recreation Area in the Black Hills, south of Hot Springs. The park is a wonderful natural area with a pristine sand beach (no rocks, no weeds); a rolling bike course through neighboring ranch land; and a wonderfully scenic run path along the lake shore.
Packet pick-up will be at the transition area of the race this year! (At Breakers Beach). Unfortunately, we are no longer providing a pasta dinner at the Masonic Lodge due to logistics and costs. We are however, providing something new this year…. We will be firing up our new Blackstone grill and providing delicious grilled cheese sandwiches for all finishers at the food area! Great food and beverages will be provided on race day…. and be sure to sign up early enough to guarantee a race t-shirt. Medals are given to all youth and adult finishers. First, Second and Third Place Awards are given for adult age groups and First Place Overall awards are given for the Olympic and Sprint distances.
We hope you enjoy yourself and return for future races. This race is in cooperation with the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, the Angostura State Recreation Area, and the Friends of the Library in Hot Springs.
Join us for Black Hills Rails to Ales — a laid-back 16-mile cruise along the Mickelson Trail from Hill City to Custer. Take in stunning autumn colors and the fresh scent of pine forests along the way.
The fun doesn’t stop at the finish line! After the ride, head over to Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company in Custer to kick back with great food, local craft beer, and live music. Your rider wristband gets you a $25 restaurant *credit plus a commemorative Black Hills Rails to Ales beer glass.
Rails to Ales:
The perfect way to embrace the autumn season, combining outdoor adventure with the best of local cuisine and entertainment!
Event Times:
Wristband Pickup: 10–11 a.m. at Tracy Park Trailhead in Hill City
Food, Brews, Door Prizes & Live Music: 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m. at Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company
All registered riders must be on the trail by 11am.
Plan on 90 minutes to 2 hours ride time to Custer.
Transportation:
Riders handle their own transportation. Need a shuttle? Check out options on our website: www.mickelsontrailaffiliates.com/
Course Info:
Step back in time on the George S. Mickelson Trail.
The trail was originally the Burlington Northern line that carried trains from Edgemont to the northern Black Hills and the gold mines of the Deadwood area. The line began in Deadwood in 1888, and in within ten months the route to Edgemont was complete. (It was abandoned in 1983.) In the early 90’s, a group of outdoor enthusiasts recognized the trail's potential, and with the support of Governor George Mickelson, it became the state's first rails to trails project.
For more information on MTA events and the Mickelson Trail: www.mickelsontrailaffiliates.com
The best the Black Hills of Wyoming and South Dakota have to offer - Almost entirely downhill except for one tough hill from mile 2.00 to 2.56 miles with 169 ft gain. First 12 miles from Cement Ridge to Savoy are on very runnable improved gravel roads, covers scenic mountain meadows, valleys and canyons, and drops 1,606 ft. You will pass the winter film site for “Dances with Wolves” at mile 9.35! The remaining 14 miles is hardtop and descends Spearfish Canyon Hwy (Rt 14A, a National Scenic Byway) to Spearfish, a route shared by the Leading Ladies Marathon and a drop of another 1,364 ft. This extremely fast course will be 1 of only 2 USATF Certified Courses (=Boston Qualifying Course) in Wyoming and it counts for either Wyoming or South Dakota – Your Choice!
BLACK HILLS VETERAN’S HONOR MARCH AND MARATHON
The Black Hills Veteran’s Honor March was conceived in 2002 as a way to honor the sacrifices of the nation’s 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 Fall Mickelson Trail Trek follows one of the most iconic rail-trails in the country: the George S. Mickelson Trail, winding 109 miles through the very heart of South Dakota’s Black Hills. Inducted into the National Rail-Trail Hall of Fame in 2010, the trail is built on a historic railroad grade and surfaced with smooth crushed limestone, it offers a front-row seat to landscapes you simply can’t see from the highway — quiet pine forests, granite outcroppings, wide open meadows, and hidden mountain valleys.
In autumn, the trail comes alive with golden aspens, deep green pines, and crisp mountain air, making it one of the most beautiful times of year to ride. Wildlife is more active, the crowds are thinner, and every overlook feels like a private postcard.
Along the way, riders pass through four cool, echoing railroad tunnels and roll across more than 100 towering trestle bridges, many of them perched high above creeks, canyons, and forested ravines. Each mile tells a story of the region’s mining past, railroad heritage, and wild beauty, creating a ride that feels as much like a journey through history as it does a cycling adventure.
The trail’s gentle railroad grade makes most of the route comfortably rideable, but the Black Hills still deliver their signature challenge. The climb toward Dumont — including the long, steady stretch from Rochford — rewards riders with sweeping views and a deep sense of accomplishment at the highest point on the trail.
This is more than a bike ride — it’s a chance to experience South Dakota’s most legendary trail at its most spectacular time of year.
Black Hills Runners Club Trail Series Championship
Join us for the grand finale of the 2026 Black Hills Runners Club Trail Series on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Alkali Trailhead. This is your chance to close out the season strong on the rugged and scenic trails of the Black Hills.
Choose between the 10K or the 18K course, both showcasing rolling hills, pine forests, and classic Black Hills singletrack. Whether you’re chasing series points, setting a personal best, or just soaking up the views, this race is the perfect way to celebrate a season of trail running.
Race Details:
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Cost: $20
Start Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Alkali Trailhead, Sturgis, SD
Distances: 10K & 18K
Perks & Highlights:
Every participant receives the 2026 Trail Series pint glass
The last trail race of the season—don’t miss your chance to finish on a high note
Final opportunity to earn points toward the 2026 Trail Series standings
The trails are calling, the competition is fierce, and the views are unforgettable. Don’t miss the Trail Series Championship—your last shot at glory in the 2026 season!
Join us for the 4th Annual Teacher Trot on Sunday, Sept 27, 2026!
Children's House Montessori is a nonprofit school with a 35 year history of educating children using the Montessori Method. We currently have classrooms serving students ages 3 to 12 years old with two locations in Rapid City, SD. We are a non-profit organization, state accredited school for grades K-6, and a Department of Social Services licensed facility. The 5K Teacher Trot raises money to send assistants to Montessori Teacher Training, a 2 year process that costs approximately $15K-$20K per person. This helps us sustain and grow our school by ensuring we have Montessori credentialed teachers at every classroom level.
The 5K CHM Teacher Trot takes place each May at Raider Park. This year's race is on Sunday, September 27, 2026. The start and finish line is at the Stevens High School Practice Football Field (across from our Primary Campus 4021 Range Rd). Arrive at 11am to pick up your t-shirt and race day swag bag. Race will start at 12pm. Parking available in our school parking lot as well as Stevens HS parking lot.
EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT A RUNNER, please come and support the school! Register to get a t-shirt and come for the fun. We will have bouncy houses for the kids and food trucks for a delicious lunch. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair. Strollers or Striders are welcome for the littles. Register by April 11 to receive a race t-shirt.