calendar_today 16 Sep, 2026 – 19 Sep, 2026
directions_run Running
language Official Website
sell $50.00 – $225.00
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.
Sep 16, 2026
Distance — 177K
Type — Running
05:00
$90.00
Sep 19, 2026
Distance — 42.2K
Type — Running
05:00
$60.00
Sep 19, 2026
Distance — 42.2K
Type — Running
08:00
$225.00
Sep 19, 2026
Distance — 42.2K
Type — Running
08:00
$50.00
Sep 19, 2026
Distance — 42.2K
Type — Running
08:00
$50.00
Sep 19, 2026
Distance — 42.2K
Type — Running
08:00
$50.00
Sep 19, 2026
Distance — 42.2K
Type — Running
08:00
$225.00
Sep 19, 2026
Distance — 42.2K
Type — Running
08:00
$225.00
Sep 19, 2026
Distance — 42.2K
Type — Running
08:00
$225.00
Sep 19, 2026
Distance — 42.2K
Type — Running
08:00
$225.00
Sep 19, 2026
Distance — 42.2K
Type — Running
08:00
$50.00
Sep 19, 2026
Distance — 42.2K
Type — Running
08:00
$50.00
Sep 19, 2026
Distance — 25.7K
Type — Running
10:00
$225.00
Sep 19, 2026
Distance — 25.7K
Type — Running
10:00
$225.00
Sep 19, 2026
Distance — 25.7K
Type — Running
10:00
$225.00
Sep 19, 2026
Distance — 25.7K
Type — Running
10:00
$50.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for September in Deadwood.
Learn more about the host city, Deadwood.
Deadwood is a town in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It is rivaled only by Tombstone, Arizona as America's most storied town from the wild frontier days.
Read more launchRead what other athletes have to say about their experience at the Black Hills Veterans March and Marathon.
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