Marathon Course Description Okay, on your marks! You will begin your fast South Dakota marathon from the Lead Country Club and head out onto gravel Hanna Road. Cyclone Hill winds up (yes, up, sorry) just long enough to get your heart rate up then peaks to a glorious long down-hill that’s tempting to pick up the pace; be aware! Coast past the Hanna campground at mile 4 and around mile 5 you will change from gravel to asphalt. At the intersection of Hanna Road and HYW 85 you will cross the road to Cheyenne Crossing, site of the 1870’s Cheyenne to Deadwood Stagecoach route. Left onto HYW 14A begins a 5.5 mile treelined roadway to the 11 mile mark at Savoy. Turn left at Savoy and take in the landscape of ponds and colorful wildflowers. Head slightly uphill seven-tenths of a mile into Little Spearfish canyon on a gravel road towards Roughlock falls (the largest falls in the canyon and worth a trip). Then you’ll head downhill back to the HWY. Exit Roughlock Road past the Spearfish Canyon Lodge and back onto the asphalt of HWY 14A. Keep an eye out for mountain goats making their way along the cliffs to your left. You are now at the half marathon start and halfway through your fast South Dakota Marathon! It’s all downhill from here so enjoy cruisin’ the Scenic Byway alongside Spearfish Creek. Check out the historic 1912 Hydro-plant, Bridal Veil Falls, and enjoy the shade courtesy of the towering shale and limestone canyon walls. As the canyon opens up you are twenty-five miles in and it’s time to break from the canyon. Head left for a short jaunt on Winterville road, through the city campground and into Spearfish park. Over the bridge, then begin your final sprint to cross that finish line strong! CONGRATULATIONS! You’ve completed your South Dakota marathon! We are proud of your accomplishment and grateful for you! Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey! Now strut through the park, show off your medal and most importantly….CELEBRATE!
The Leading Ladies' Marathon course is USATF certified: #136852 as a 42.195 km (26.2mile) race