Deadwood Mickelson Trail Half Marathon
Deadwood, South Dakota
Sunday, June 6, 2010

I race walked the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Half Marathon in Deadwood, South Dakota on Sunday, June 6, 2010 in the region known as the Black Hills. The course was entirely on the last 13.1 miles of the over 100 mile Mickelson Trail which was made from an old railroad line. Except for two half mile up hills, one at the start and one before mile 7, the entire course was downhill, dropping from 6331 feet to 4771 feet. The footing was excellent as the fine crushed rock did not roll under foot as gravel or sand does. The scenery along the course was outstandingly beautiful views of green grasslands and lush forests. Water/Powerade stations were located every 2.5 to 3 miles and were manned by plenty of enthusiastic volunteers. The course crossed a few gravel roads where you had to watch out for traffic, which was very light, and one busy road where two crossing guard controlled the traffic. These few road crossings and the finish line were the only places where cheering spectators could see the race. The weather cooperated wonderfully as the temperature stayed in the low 50’s with little wind and cloudy skies. There were nearly 2000 half marathoners in the race and I expected the course to be crowded; however, even though the trail could only accommodate 3 or 4 participants widthwise, the participants cooperated excellently to allow passing and, thus, it did not seem as crowded as I expected. The event was extremely well organized and I enjoyed myself tremendously.
The history of Deadwood, South Dakota is intertwined with mining and gambling. On August 2, 1876 Sherriff Wild Bill Hickok was killed while playing poker in a casino that is still located on Main Street. His body is buried in boot hill as is the body of the notorious Calamity Jane. Today Deadwood is filled with casinos and the mines are generally closed but offer tours for the visitors. Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Monument, and Custer State Park are also nearby and I was able to visit Mount Rushmore and view the bison, burros, deer, pronghorn, prairie dogs, etc. of Custer State Park. I had a wonderful time.