Expo/Finish Line Location
Difficulty
Course Time Limit
Terrain
Weather / Conditions
Closest airport
13.1 mi.
SEPT 12, 2026
This is a challenging course with lots of gorgeous views of Mount Rushmore and the surrounding Black Hills! Though this course has a lot of uphill, runners will be rewarded with amazing views and a final downhill stretch before finishing at the Borglum Story Museum in the town of Keystone, SD! You are going to love this course!
Save $30
3.1 mi.
JULY 31 - AUG 1, 2026
This course runs in a counterclockwise direction around the perimeter of Lake Estes. While the race begins with a quick, aggressive climb over the first .15 miles followed by a downhill path taking runners to about the .75 mark, the course is relatively flat the rest of the way with a slight incline around the 2 mile mark. This is a fast course that offers views of the waterfront and the surrounding Rocky Mountains as well as glimpses of the the famous Stanely Hotel.
Reasons to Run
RUSHMORE
The Black Hills feel like a hidden world — granite pillars rising from dense forest, ridgelines rolling beneath an endless sky. Iron Mountain Road winds through it in quiet reveals: a curve, a clearing, a sudden sweep of hills.
The climbs heighten your senses, each bend promising a bigger view — until Mount Rushmore appears, perfectly framed in stone and sky. A hidden gem made unforgettable.
Multiple Monument Views
Rolling Black Hills Scenery
Iconic Landscape Medal Art
Victory Snacks
Challenging Climbs with Epic Payoffs
Reasons to run
RUSHMORE
The Black Hills feel like a hidden world — granite pillars rising from dense forest, ridgelines rolling beneath an endless sky. Iron Mountain Road winds through it in quiet reveals: a curve, a clearing, a sudden sweep of hills.
The climbs heighten your senses, each bend promising a bigger view — until Mount Rushmore appears, perfectly framed in stone and sky. A hidden gem made unforgettable.
Multiple Monument Views
Rolling Black Hills
Iconic Landscape Medal Art
Victory Snacks
Challenging Climbs With Epic Payoffs
What to
EXPECT
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Race WEEKEND Schedule
Friday (Expo)
12:00 PM - Race expo & bib pickup begin at Baymont by Wyndham (Keystone, SD)
4:00 PM - Native Presentation
5:00 PM - Race expo ends
6:00 PM - Bib pickup closes
Saturday (Race Day)
5:00 AM - Parking areas open and shuttles start from Keystone to start line
5:00 AM - Morning bib pickup begins (at starting line)
5:05 AM - First prize raffle (every 5 min. until 6:15 am)
6:00 AM - Last shuttle from Keystone heads to the start line
6:45 AM - Runners line up/Last call for gear check
6:55 AM - National Anthem
7:00 AM - RACE START
9:15 AM - Award Ceremony
11:00 AM - Race time limit
11:45 AM - Last shuttle from finish line to start line (for runners who parked at the start line)
The race starts in Hermosa, SD but finishes back in Keystone. Runners may park at the start line or walk to the start line shuttles in Keystone on race morning to avoid any driving.
Hear it from our
VACATION RACERS
Stories from runners at past Half Marathon events
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Beautiful course, Lots of constant uphill, Views are worth the pain, Vacation races put on amazing races. They run so smooth and have the best swag! They also offer the most interesting places to run and get out of your comfort zone
– Brett
The trail has amazing views,great organization, plenty hydration stations. My first race in this kind of trails….a lot climbs but so beautiful 😍. I signed for next year 4 more races.
— Carol
This was the most beautiful road race I’ve done. It was like running a trail race without the fear of tripping on roots. I wouldn’t come here for a PR but I would definitely come for a good time.
– Gemma
Hear it from our
VACATION RACERS
Stories from runners at past Half Marathon events
Event
INFO
- Where: Finish line at Borglum Story Museum (Keystone, SD)
- We recommend parking in Keystone and walking to the finish line
- Please do not use runner shuttles or spectate along the race course!
- Spectators are not allowed in the runner recovery area.Our events take place in and around protected national park landscapes, and we are deeply committed to minimizing waste while preserving the natural beauty of the places we run, without compromising safety, efficiency, or hydration on course. To achieve this, we’ve implemented cup-free racing across the series: runners may add a lightweight, foldable Nathan reusable cup during registration or bring any personal hydration system that doesn’t produce trash. Self-serve aid stations are placed throughout the course with water and electrolytes for quick, efficient refills, allowing athletes to hydrate as needed without waste, congestion, or mess. The system keeps courses clean, stations moving smoothly, and hydration reliable.
Place medals will be given to the top 5 male, female, and non-binary runners overall as well as the Masters 40+ group.
Additionally, the top 5 in each of the following age groups will 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. As of yet, we do not offer non-binary age group awards.
There will be finisher medals for everyone who finishes the race.
The official Race Shirt is picked up at expo upon check-in, and the official race medal is awarded upon crossing the finish line.
Exclusive Race merchandise will be available both at the race expo and near the finish line! When possible, we'll have race merch for sale in our online store after the race is over.
Please allow time for us to add items online.
Make Your Medal Even More Meaningful with iTab
Now, you can make it last forever with an iTab, a custom engraved plate with your name and finishing time that clips right onto your medal ribbon.
Pre-order before race day, and it’ll be sent to you automatically after you finish.
If you missed out on pre-order, no worries. You can order yours today for just $15, including postage & packaging here.
Results
Live results will be hosted online by Laurel. Visit the results button below for final finisher times after the event is completed. Keep in mind, the results are not official until all runners have crossed the finish line, and have been reviewed by the event director. Got questions about your placement? Please email timing@brooksee.com.
Ship My Medal
Top Finisher but missed the awards ceremony? You can request to have your place medal shipped to you! Visit this link to have your place medal shipped to you.
Photos
New for 2026, FinisherPix will be at each event to capture your race memories. Within 24-48 hours post-event, your photos will be available at the link below. You can purchase your race photos ahead of race day during registration or directly through FinisherPix. The FinisherPix Photo Pack includes ALL photos we identify of you in all digital formats (Basic digital image, Digital images with Finish Time, Digital images in certificate format). A link to download all images will automatically be emailed to you when photos are available online. Click the button below to view race weekend photos once available. Search for your individual photos by last name or bib number.
Explore
RUSHMORE
We realize that the races in this series are out of the way for most runners, and it may be the only time that you visit these breathtaking areas. One of our biggest desires is that you walk away from this event having fully experienced what the region has to offer.
While in the area we encourage you to continue the adventure and spend time in the parks!
Harriet & Oak
Big windows, warm wood, the smell of fresh espresso, and food that actually fuels an adventure day. Grab a latte, a breakfast burrito, or a smoothie bowl and you’re suddenly ready to take on Needles Highway, Badlands sunrise, or a full day roaming the Black Hills.
Difficulty - easy
Elevation - 137 ft
1.5 miles
Grape & Grinds
A laid-back café where the coffee is stout, the vibes are warm, and the pastries and light bites feel like fuel for your next adventure. Whether you’re stopping in for a midday pick-me-up or lingering over an afternoon espresso after a morning hike, this spot feels like a comfortable reset.
Difficulty - easy
Elevation - 137 ft
1.5 miles
Door Trail
Door Trail cracks open a gateway into the Badlands and lets you wander through a wild maze of jagged formations. Step off the boardwalk and explore freely every angle hits different, every ridge looks unreal. It’s low effort, high drama, and the perfect place to let the landscape swallow you whole.
Difficulty - easy
Elevation - 137 ft
1.5 miles
Rushmore Helicopters
Rushmore Helicopters is the only helicopter touring company that has permission to operate within the boundaries of the Black Hills National Parks and the Badlands. This allows us to get you the best possible views of sites and monuments in the area.
Difficulty - easy
Elevation - 137 ft
1.5 miles
Black Elk Peak
Black Elk Peak is the kind of hike that slaps you awake in the best way. You climb through wild granite spires and sunlit pines until the whole damn world erupts beneath you from the fire tower. It's loud, proud, cinematic, and absolutely the Black Hills bucket list hike.
Difficulty - easy
Elevation - 137 ft
1.5 miles
2026
MEDAL & TEE
Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to get a sneak peak!
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Coming Soon
BOOK YOUR MOUNT RUSHMORE WEEKEND STAY WITH HOTEL PLANNER
Race weekend isn’t just a start line — it’s a full-on adventure, and we want your trip to feel smooth from the moment you arrive. Whether you’re running or cheering, HotelPlanner makes it easy to book the right place to stay with exclusive discounted rates for Mount Rushmore participants, friends, and family, plus a seamless booking experience and 24/7 customer support. Your Mount Rusmore HotelPlanner page is set up with official race weekend dates and lodging options near key event areas like Expo, Start Line, and Finish Line, so you’re close to the action and ready for a stress-free race morning.
Book early to snag the best rates and make the most of your time in Keystone, SD
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