Welcome to the Black
Hills
We hope your visit to the Black Hills is a memorable one — and that you make the time to explore Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the surrounding Black Hills National Forest, right on our doorstep. We try to capture the essence of running through a landscape of granite spires and towering ponderosa pines, and we want you to have fun while you're here. Please respect and follow the guidelines of our race, the National Park Service, and other local authorities.
“There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness.”— Theodore Roosevelt
The Black Hills rise dark and forested out of the northern plains — winding granite canyons, ponderosa pines, and the four presidents watching over it all. Running this course feels like a pilgrimage: the road climbs steadily through the pines, Mount Rushmore appears in the distance more than once, and a long downhill carries you home to Keystone. Every visitor is a steward with a responsibility to protect and respect this area for future generations. As a participant, we trust in your support to promote the ecology and sustainability of this unparalleled location.
Happy exploring!
– The Vacation Races Team
Note to runners: All of the following information is subject to change. If changes occur due to unforeseen circumstances, adjustments will be made to satisfy local permitting requirements while still delivering a top-tier running experience. We will inform runners of any changes as soon as they are finalized so participants can comfortably prepare for their Vacation Races experience.
Race weekend
Schedule
12:00 PM
RACE EXPO OPENS
*We cannot accommodate runners before 12:00 PM BYOB: Our expo is bag-free, so don’t forget to Bring Your Own Bag!
5:00 PM
RACE EXPO CLOSES
5:00 PM
RACE MERCH TENT CLOSES
6:00 PM
BIB PICKUP CLOSES
Friday / Expo & Bib Pickup
September 11, 2026
12:00 PM
RACE EXPO OPENS
*We cannot accommodate runners before 12:00 PM BYOB: Our expo is bag-free, so don’t forget to Bring Your Own Bag!
5:00 PM
RACE EXPO CLOSES
5:00 PM
RACE MERCH TENT CLOSES
6:00 PM
BIB PICKUP CLOSES
Saturday / Half Marathon
September 12, 2026
5:00 AM
PARKING LOTS OPEN
5:00 AM
FIRST SHUTTLE LEAVES FROM KEYSTONE & BIB PICKUP BEGINS AT START LINE
6:00 AM
LAST SHUTTLE DEPARTS TO START
6:45 AM
RUNNERS LINE UP & LAST GEAR CHECK
7:00 AM
HALF MARATHON STARTS
8:00 AM
RACE MERCH TENT OPENS
Ends shortly after the finish line closes
9:15 AM
HALF MARATHON AWARDS CEREMONY
11:00 AM
ALL RUNNERS MUST BE OFF IRON MOUNTAIN RD · MILE 12
11:30 AM
FINISH LINE CLOSES
Pre-race
Expo
The race expo and bib pickup are held at the Baymont by Wyndham Keystone on Friday afternoon — a short drive from the race-morning shuttle pickup on Swanzey Street. Please bring a photo ID to pick up your bib.
Baymont by Wyndham Keystone ↗
Race Expo
12:00 – 5:00 PM
Bib Pickup
12:00 – 6:00 PM
Bring
Photo ID
Good to know
- ✦We strongly recommend to pickup your bib at the Friday expo — race-morning pickup is available for the Half Marathon at the start line but should be avoided.
- ✦This is a cup-free event — bring a reusable bottle, hydration pack, or reusable cup.
- ✦Our expo is bag-free — don't forget to Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB)!
Bib Pickup Options
→ At the expo (recommended) — Friday of race weekend at the Baymont by Wyndham Keystone
→ Race morning (please avoid) — Half Marathon only, at the start-line area
→ Shipped to your house — $30 fee, available as an add-on until 2 months before the event
What to Pack
This is a cup-free race in a dry, high-altitude climate (over 4,000 ft), so a hydration system is required. Pack for a cool, early-morning start that warms quickly as the sun comes up over the Black Hills.
Required
Hydration system (reusable bottle, collapsible cup, or hydration pack). Race bib, worn on the front of your body and clearly visible at all times.
Recommended
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Personal nutrition (gels, chews, etc.)
Layers for changing temperatures before and after your race
An offline course map on your device
Race Merchandise
The official race shirt is picked up at the expo on check-in; the finisher medal is awarded at the finish line. Exclusive race merch — hoodies, tees, water bottles, stickers, hats, bags, and posters — will be available to browse and buy at the expo and near the finish. The merch tent reopens Saturday at 8:00 AM and closes shortly after the finish line. Leftover merch can be purchased online after the event.
Shop race merchandise ↗Earn Race Credits
We're looking for fantastic volunteers to join the fun during race weekend! It's the perfect way for friends and family to get in on the action without running. Volunteer shifts are open for the expo and race days and come with sweet perks: up to $100 off a future Vacation Races event. Race credits vary by role, are transferable, and can even be combined.
Sign up to volunteer ↗On the Course
The course
Course Info
View route at: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48490062?_ga=2.261179787.742229691.1785769714-746449431.1774446451
Mount Rushmore Half Marathon
13.1
Miles · Point-to-Point
+1,742 ft
Elevation Gain
-1,454 fr
Elevation Loss
5
Aid Stations
4 hr
Time Limit
Course Details+
The Mount Rushmore Half Marathon begins at Ghost Canyon Getaway on a well-packed dirt road for about 3 miles before turning to pavement, finishing at the Borglum Story Museum in the town of Keystone, SD. This is a challenging course with lots of climbing — and gorgeous views of Mount Rushmore and the surrounding Black Hills. Please note: this is a supported but partly open course, so stay alert, keep to the right, and be courteous to drivers, volunteers, and fellow runners. Iron Mountain Road will be closed to through traffic for the race. The course will be well marked and supported — your safety is our top priority!
Elevation+
The starting elevation is 4,054 ft, with a total gain of about 1,742 ft. The first 7.5 miles are almost entirely uphill (with a couple of downhills for relief), and nearly all of the final 5.5 miles is downhill (with a few short climbs to keep you honest). Save some legs for the climb, then let the descent through the pines carry you into Keystone. Remember you're at altitude — pace yourself early.
Aid Stations+
We'll have 5 aid stations near miles 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. All aid stations have bathrooms, water, electrolytes and Honey Stinger energy gels. Miles 5 and 7 will also have oranges and bananas. There will be basic first aid at each aid station, and the EMT will be stationed near the mile 7 aid station. A clothing bin sits at the first aid station (mile 3) — dropped layers are transported to the finish after the last runner passes.
REMINDER that all aid stations are cup free. Please remember your own cup, bladder or handheld water bottle. Drinking directly from the water jugs is prohibited.
Cup-Free Racing+
There are no disposable cups on course. Every aid station has BLUE COOLERS with water and RED COOLERS with Gnarly Hydrate (electrolyte drink), both fitted with the same speed valves — so at each stop you choose water or Gnarly Hydrate. Bring a reusable water bottle, a Nathan reusable cup (an option at registration, given to you at bib pickup), or a hydration pack. Remember, the Black Hills are a dry climate at over 4,000 ft — hydrate well! There's water at the finish too, but no cups: use your reusable bottle to refill.
Time Limit+
This course has a 4-hour time limit, which equals about 18 minutes per mile. All runners must be off Iron Mountain Road (mile 12) by 11:00 AM, and the finish line closes at 11:30 AM. Walkers are welcome and should keep this pace in mind. We ask for understanding and immediate cooperation if we deem it unsafe and need to pull a runner from the course.
Recovery Food+
At the finish line recovery area we will have snack bags (full of recovery snacks), bananas, and chocolate milk, as well as water and electrolytes. Please help yourself to one snack bag, chocolate milk, and banana per runner. Snacks are for runners only. No spectators, please.
Strollers, Wheelchairs & Dogs+
The course runs on paved roads and packed trail and is stroller and wheelchair friendly — just be mindful of other participants, stay to the right, and take care on the final 5.5-mile downhill. Dogs are not allowed on course, as our insurance does not cover them, but they're welcome to cheer you on from the finish line with the rest of your crew.
Race Morning
Getting to the
Race Morning
Morning Schedule
5:00 AM
Parking lots open
5:00 AM
First shuttle & bib pickup
6:00 AM
Last shuttle to start
6:45 AM
Line up & last gear check
7:00 AM
Half Marathon starts
Parking
Shuttle from Keystone (recommended)
Free runner shuttles load in front of the Ramada Inn on Swanzey Street in Keystone from 5:00 to 6:00 AM. Most Keystone hotels are within walking distance, so leave your car at your hotel and ride to the start. There are no return shuttles for those who take the shuttle in — the finish is right in Keystone.
Directions ↗Drive to the Start — Ghost Canyon Getaway
Prefer to drive? Start-line parking at Ghost Canyon Getaway opens at 5:00 AM. After the race, return shuttles carry runners who parked at the start from the finish back to the start-line parking until 11:45 AM. Note Iron Mountain Road is closed for the race, so drivers must take the long way (via SD-40 West) between the start and Keystone.
Directions ↗Runner Drop-Off
Dropping a runner off in Keystone? Please do so in front of the Comfort Inn & Suites (321 Swanzey St). The Comfort Inn & Suites is located just east of the Ramada Inn, where our shuttle pickup takes place.
Runners can also be dropped off at the start line parking area, but please note that Iron Mountain Road will be closed, so spectators will have to take the long way down to Keystone to park and welcome their runner through the finish line. Drop-off is for quick unloading only.
Shuttles+
Free shuttles run from Keystone (in front of the Ramada Inn on Swanzey Street) to the start line between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM. After the race, return shuttles carry runners who parked at the start from the finish back to the start-line parking until 11:45 AM.
Wave Start+
A wave start keeps the course from overcrowding. Anyone competing for an overall or Masters award must line up in the first Blue wave (these awards are scored on gun time). Otherwise, line up according to your projected finishing pace; walkers should start toward the back to avoid congestion.
Starting Waves+
Line up with the wave color on your bib, based on your expected finish time. Running with a friend in another wave? Line up with the slower wave to keep the course clear.
Blue 1:00–1:55 · Green 1:55–2:05 · Orange 2:05–2:15 · Yellow 2:15–2:25 · Light Blue 2:25–2:35 · Purple 2:35–2:45 · Red 2:45–3:00 · Pink 3:00–3:30 · Dark Green 3:30–4:00
Timing+
Overall and Masters awards are based on gun time, so anyone competing for one must line up in the first Blue wave — even if your bib shows a different wave color. Age-division and team awards are based on chip time, so line up with your assigned wave. Your chip time doesn't officially start until you cross the line — please give each other space at the start.
Pacers+
We will have pacers assigned to several goal finishing times. These pacers will help to organize waves and maintain the assigned pace associated with that wave of runners. We will have pacers for the following goal times: 1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20, 2:30, 2:45, 3:00, 3:30 and sweeper. Please organize yourselves according to your predicted finish time.
Gear Check+
Gear check is available at the start line — the last call for gear check is at 6:45 AM. Fill a gear-check bag with anything you'd like transported to the finish; write your name and bib number on it. Avoid putting valuables or car keys in your bag. Bags will be available for pickup near the finish line.
Clothing Drop +
At the aid station near Mile 3, there will be a clothing drop bin where you may leave items you no longer wish to carry. After the final runner passes, all clothing will be transported to the finish area.
PLEASE NOTE if you are a faster finisher, there will be a wait before that clothing arrives. Any unclaimed items will be donated, so we recommend only dropping clothing you are comfortable leaving behind if you do not want to wait.
Items found elsewhere on the course will not be collected or returned and remain the responsibility of the runner. Please help keep the course clean — NO LITTERING.
For
Spectators
This is not a spectator-friendly course. Spectators are encouraged to head directly to the finish line after the race begins. Iron Mountain Road will be closed, so you must take the alternate route via SD-40 West to reach Keystone. There are no shuttles for spectators.
01
Head to the Finish — after the race starts, drive to Keystone and gather at the Borglum Story finish line to cheer your runner across.
02
Watch the Start — if you want to see the start, you'll need to drive there yourself (there are no spectator shuttles), then head down to Keystone for the finish.
03
Roads Closed — Iron Mountain Road is closed for the race. From Ghost Canyon, take Box Canyon Rd, Bender Ridge Rd, Battle Creek Rd, then SD-40 West to Keystone.
04
Park in Keystone — use public parking near the finish: the lot at Reed & Winter St, the National Presidential Wax Museum, or Keystone Tramway Adventures. Do not park in private lots.
05
Runners only — the runner recovery area and its food and recovery supplies are for runners only, and the medical tent is for athletes only. Family members are not allowed inside.
Post Race
Post-race
Information
Cross the line, grab your victory snacks and a refill, and collect your finisher medal — awarded to everyone who finishes. Stick around for the Overall & Masters awards at 9:15 AM and age-group awards at 10:00 AM. Course-record holders receive a free race entry every year their record stands!
Free race entry while the record stands
Course Records
Overall Male·2019
Phillip Duncan1:14:58
Overall Female·2019
Allie Oban1:33:16
Overall Non-Binary·
Record openN/A
Masters Male·2021
Michael Osterholt1:38:04
Masters Female·2021
Varinka Esminger1:40:52
Masters Non-Binary·
Record openN/A
Awards & Age Divisions+
Finisher medals for everyone. Place medals go to the top 5 male, female, and non-binary runners overall and the top 5 Masters 40+ male and female. Place medals also go to the top 3 teams. The top 5 in each age group also receive a place medal: 11 and younger, 12–14, 15–19, 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70–74, 75 and older. Overall and Masters awards are based on gun time; age-group awards are based on chip time. We do not yet offer non-binary age-group awards. Top finishers who miss the ceremony can request to have their place medal shipped.
Race Swag & Shirt Exchange+
The official race shirt is picked up at the expo on check-in, and the finisher medal is awarded at the finish. Exclusive merch is available at the expo and near the finish. If your shirt doesn't fit, we'll have a shirt exchange at the finish line — sizes and quantities may be limited.
Race Photos+
New for 2026, FinisherPix will capture your race memories at each event. Your photos will be available 24–48 hours post-event; a download link is emailed to you when they're ready. Buy a photo pack ahead of race day during registration or directly through FinisherPix. Keep your bib visible on the front of your body so we can identify you.Half Marathon Photos
Live Tracking & Results+
Live tracking is powered by Laurel's system, so friends and family can follow your race in real time — no phone or watch needed. Laurel estimates your position between checkpoints from pacing data for accurate updates and predicted finish times. Results are hosted online and are not official until all runners have finished and the event director has reviewed them.
Questions about your placement? Email timing@brooksee.com.TrackingResults
Personalize Your Medal +
Our partner, Make It Personal, provides custom-engraved plates with your name and finishing time that clips onto your medal ribbon.
You can pre-order before race day; they will be sent to you automatically after your finish. If you missed out, you can still order one later. They cost just $15, including shipping, and can be ordered below.Order iTab
Zero Waste+
We're committed to keeping our events sustainable and minimizing our impact on the environment. Here's how you can help us protect the wild places that host our races.
Cup-Free Racing: single-use plastic is a huge source of waste, so our races are cup-free. Coolers of water and Gnarly Hydrate are at every aid station and the finish, but cups are not provided. To stay hydrated, bring a reusable water bottle, a reusable collapsible cup (request one when you register), or a refillable hydration pack.
Sort Your Waste: you'll see three containers at our events — please sort disposable items into the right one. Green Lid = compostables (banana and orange peels, uneaten food, other organic items). Blue Lid = recyclables (#1–7 plastics, aluminum and steel cans, paper, cardboard, glass — empty containers first). Black Lid = everything else (food wrappers, used gel packets, styrofoam, non-recyclable waste).
Leave No Trace: please do not drop trash or personal items along the course except at designated aid-station bins. Anything else found on course will not be brought to the finish. Help us keep the Black Hills pristine — no littering.
Beyond the race
Experiences
Official lodging partner · HotelPlanner
Book your weekend stay
You're officially in for Mount Rushmore race weekend — now lock in your home base. HotelPlanner is our official lodging partner, offering exclusive runner rates near the Expo, Start, and Finish, plus 24/7 support if plans change. Book early to snag the best rates and make the most of your time in Keystone, SD.
Book lodging ↗
Train with Runna
Personalized training for your next Vacation Races event. Download now and unlock two free weeks!
Use code VACATIONRUNNA
Learn more ↗Sights & Adventures
2 mi loop · Easy
Mount Rushmore
Walk the Presidential Trail beneath the 60-foot faces you glimpsed from the course — the closest views in the park.
Wildlife Loop Road · Scenic
Custer State Park
Bison herds, pronghorn, and wild burros roam this sprawling park just south of the course.
14 mi · Scenic drive
Needles Highway
A jaw-dropping drive through granite spires and one-lane rock tunnels on SD-87.
1 mi loop · Easy
Sylvan Lake Shore trail
Clear water ringed by granite in Custer State Park — the "crown jewel" and an easy post-race stroll.
Visit · Half day
Crazy Horse Memorial
The world's largest mountain carving in progress, honoring the Lakota leader Crazy Horse.
90 min drive · Day trip
Badlands National Park
Otherworldly striped spires and buttes east of the Black Hills — a stunning day trip.
Know before you go
The race start and finish are in the Keystone area and do not require a park pass. Mount Rushmore National Memorial has no entrance fee but charges for parking — check nps.gov/moru before you go.
Where to eat
Eat & Drink in Keystone
A few local food, coffee, and scenic-drive picks in and around Keystone.
124 Winter St, Keystone, SD 57751
A Keystone landmark on Winter Street — hearty plates and Old West charm a short walk from the finish.
609 US-16A, Keystone, SD 57751
A cozy Winter Street stop for espresso before the drive out, or a glass of local wine to toast the finish.
19 Mt. Rushmore Rd. Custer, South Dakota 57730
Grab a warm slice piled high with berries or rhubarb, add a scoop of homemade ice cream, and sink into that post-adventure bliss.
Good to know
FAQs
If I can't pick up my bib Friday, can I get it race morning?+
We strongly recommend picking up at the Friday expo (Baymont by Wyndham Keystone, 12:00–6:00 PM). If you can't, a bib-pickup area opens at the start line at 5:00 AM on race morning.
Is there parking at the start line?+
Yes — start-line parking at Ghost Canyon Getaway opens at 5:00 AM. We recommend Keystone runners take the free shuttle instead (it loads in front of the Ramada Inn on Swanzey Street, 5:00–6:00 AM). If you drive to the start, return shuttles run from the finish back to start-line parking until 11:45 AM.
Why is the race cup-free, and what should I bring?+
To cut single-use plastic waste, we don't provide cups on course or at the finish. Bring a reusable bottle, a collapsible reusable cup (request one at registration), or a hydration pack. Coolers of water and Gnarly Hydrate are at every aid station — and remember, you're at altitude in a dry climate, so hydrate well.
Are dogs, strollers, or wheelchairs allowed on course?+
The course runs on paved roads and packed trail and is stroller and wheelchair friendly — stay to the right and take care on the final 5.5-mile downhill. We love dogs, but they aren't allowed on course; they're welcome to cheer you on from the finish line.
How do I compete for an overall or Masters award?+
Overall and Masters awards are scored on gun time, so you must line up in the first Blue wave — even if your bib shows a different wave color. Age-division and team awards are based on chip time, so line up with your assigned wave.
Can someone else pick up my race packet?+
Yes, as long as they have a photo of your ID.
If my race shirt doesn't fit, can I exchange it?+
Yes, but not until after the race. We pre-order shirts based on registration sizing, so to ensure everyone gets their requested size, exchanges happen post-race at the finish line — sizes and quantities may be limited.
Do I need a National Park pass to run?+
No — the start and finish are in the Keystone area and don't require a park pass. Mount Rushmore National Memorial has no entrance fee but charges for parking; check nps.gov/moru if you plan to visit before or after the race.
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