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Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.9 
Organization 4.7 
Spectators 3.5
Number of comments: 110 [displaying comments 61 to 71]
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P. W. from marietta GA
(6/25/2007)
"One of the most beautiful courses ever" (about: 2007)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Believe what you read in all these posts; the course is truly beautiful - and such a change in scenery from most other races in the cities. I was slow-running this, trying (on purpose) to run my slowest race ever due to injury and thought it would be hard to make myself slow down. I don't know that I could have made myself run a full minute per mile slower anywhere else. I was able to just run easy and truly enjoy the view. This is one of the friendlist races anywhere; the people are great and Jerry Dunn has to be commended for overall atmosphere of the race. I signed up for the race in 2006 and could not attend due to my wife having emergency surgery in may. Most other races you would just give up your race entry/fee. Not here. I emailed Jerry and he said no problem - we'll just save your entry to next year. Imagine that happening with any other race! To top it off, I expected that I'd have to contact him before the race and remind him of my situation, etc.... Well imagine my surprise when I opened up my email one day this winter and saw the entry confirmation email in my inbox, without me even having to ask for it! Just when I thought it could not get any better... I did not think I had a chance to place in my age group because of my plans to run slower than normal and did not check the results after the race was over. I was surprised to find out that I did place 3rd in my group when I checked the results online. I contacted Jerry and asked if, were I to send him some money, he would mail me the award (it is the first time I have placed in a marathon because I usually run the biggies), and true to the attitudes associated with this race, he took care of it. Run this race - even if you love the big-city large races, you will not be disappointed. | |
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T. S. from Seattle, WA
(6/12/2007)
"My Kind of Thing" (about: 2007)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Yes, at 16 states and 22 marathons I have decided that this is my kind of thing. A small marathon at a great destination in a cool little setting. There is not a lot to compare it to; it was too nice of a track to call it a "trail," yet too much of a trail to call it the "usual" 26.2 gig. This year's rains even produced some small creek crossings on the course that would not have appeared on the map. All of the mud and water added a little fun to the morning, and a little bit of steeple-chasing on the marathon course. I really enjoy these smaller fields when the runners get strung-out on the course. At times I could see no one in front, or back.... I had my own little private, supported marathon going on in a setting that you have to see to believe. It pains me to knock anything associated with this sweet little marathon as I have few requirement to give high praise to any event. All I need is an accurate and properly marked course, sufficient water stops (I don't care what they are serving), access to the start/finish, and correct timing. Unfortunately the mile markers, at least for the first half of the marathon, were off... way off. I found it distracting, as did others, for the first 13.1, which led to paranoia for the second 13.1. Eventually I started to hallucinate that the markers were right, but the course was too long, even though it was not. It definitely affected my pace, overall performance and a little enjoyment, but not much. That is a basic function of an organized marathon that was botched - a USTAF certified course at that. The bigger thing is that this is a great event, volunteers were first-rate, and it had a setting that was different from all. As others have emplored, spend a few days in the area to see the best sights in America. This has to be one of the best destination marathons in the book. | |
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C. B. from Papillion, Nebraska
(6/6/2007)
"The best place for a marathon while vacationing!!" (about: 2007)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This one has all the right ingredients.... Look no further, you have found a marathon to run next year. Bring the whole family and enjoy everything that the Black Hills have to offer, but do all the siteseeing after the race - all the walking will help your legs recover. The organization couldn't have been better. Jerry Dunn has run enough of them to know what it takes to do it right. I decided that since I wasn't going to have a chance to PR here, I would bring along my camera and have some conversation. I enjoyed 26.2 miles of nature at its finest and the friendliest people you'll ever want to meet. Pencil this one in for 2008... see you there next year. | |
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H. H. from Morris County, New Jersey
(6/5/2007)
"You have to do this marathon!" (about: 2007)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is one great race. The organization was top-notch and the course was indeed challenging and beautiful. The positives: easy to travel to by car and plane; numerous places to lodge; interesting town with plenty to do; close to many local attractions; and easy access and transportation to the start. The local residents are friendly and courteous. This race has an excellent goody bag and shirt. The pre-race pasta dinner is the best on the planet! A little improvement is needed on the accuracy of the mile markers. The finisher's medal was nice, but would have been nicer if etched or engraved. Note: If smoke bothers you, be sure to stay in a hotel wing (not just a room) that is non-smoking! Remember that this is a gambling town.... Pay careful attention to the course map. You'll need to know what is coming down/up for each mile on the second half of the course. Don't be leery of the climbing or elevation. Just get there and do it! | |
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M. G. from Scottsdale, AZ
(6/4/2007)
"Incredible scenery but the first 13 can get you..." (about: 2007)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Terrific race in one of the nation's most beautiful places. It's called a trail marathon, but really it's a 10 foot-wide gravel path from almost start to finish. After a downhill start for the first mile, it's a long, gradual, and never-ending climb to mile 13 or so. It will tax you; you just don't feel it (too much) because the surrounding vistas, canyons, lush forests, and a running river keep your mind on other things. Still, it is a climb and you're in elevation to begin with; it will humble many. The payoff, though, is worth it - a bit after mile 13, it is downhill all the way to the finish line. You will have reserve energy that will kick in automatically - the decline guarantees a negative split. Recent area rains made for a few muddy encounters but there were no other challenges to contend with. Sturdy wooden bridges, a fairly constant north headwind, and partly cloudy skies made for a perfect race. The race is down-to-earth in all regards and the race director greets every single finisher. The expo/packet pick-up is simple and the pasta dinner was good (and a good idea - very little in food service in Deadwood). Volunteers were very friendly and there were plenty of post-race goodies at hand. Bus to start was easy and the race started on time. No splits/clocks on the course and some mileage markers were definitely off, but they weren't factors. Water and PowerAde stops about every 2-3 miles - many areas are too remote to have more. This race is all about natural beauty and friendly folks. Almost no spectators and of course no bands or 3-ring circus going on to distract you. Deadwood and surrounding areas have rooms, etc., but other than gambling, there's little going on there. Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Devil's Tower all within an easy hour drive or less. Most fly into Rapid City and rent a car about 40 minutes from Deadwood. Highly recommend this race - either the full or the screaming fast half (the winner came in at 1:08!). | |
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P. F. from Chicago, Illinois
(4/1/2007)
"Unbeatable Scenery" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have run all of the major marathons (New York, Boston, Chicago, Marine Corp. etc.) and Deadwood will always be up there as one of my favorites and one that I will recommend to my running friends because of the breathtaking scenery - and even though the course was grueling (what marathon isn't?), the trail surface was very forgiving and the inclines and declines were not all that difficult. I think runners need to realize that the DMTM will not be a PR, but just a very, very enjoyable run with nature. | |
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J. M. from Ohio
(9/24/2006)
"Beautiful Course" (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This is a well-run race, and the course cannot be beat. Be prepared to run up for 13 miles and - worse - down for 13 miles, but wanting to see what's around the next turn will keep you going. Needed more porta-lets at the beginning of the marathon, the celebration at the end was a bit lacking and I was disappointed that the finish was not in downtown Deadwood as advertised. However, this is a very intimate run on a beautiful course and is a must! You don't have to look for the race director at the end because he is there to shake everyone's hand. Top-notch!! | |
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C. B. from Mesa, Arizona
(6/29/2006)
"Outstanding Marathon!" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a beautiful course, which takes your mind off of the distance. The organization was great and the volunteers were very friendly and deserve credit for making this such a pleasent experience. If you are a fifty-stater, this is one you want to do. What really blew my socks off was the race director Jerry Dunn waiting at the finish line, greeting everyone. This is one I will do again. | |
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Dean Diefendorf from New York, New York
(6/8/2006)
"Best marathon I've run to date!" (about: 2006)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I'm from Brooklyn; who knew South Dakota was so exciting??? Beautiful course, very scenic. Excellent support at the water stops. The finisher's medal was original and interesting. This is truly a 5-star event. My strong recommendation to fellow runners is to take additional time to see the sites (Mt. Rushmore, Badlands National Park, Devil's Tower, Custer State Park). | |
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D. L. from St. Louis, MO 'burbs
(6/8/2006)
"Great Scenic Run" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 After hearing about the race from a running friend who ran the marathon in 2004, I decided to plan my 2006 vacation around the DMTM. I stayed in Deadwood, and agree with the earlier comment about Deadwood restaurants, which made marathon-eve carbo-loading a bit of a challenge. I would recommend paying extra for the pre-race pasta dinner. As far as the race itself, unless you live and train at 4000 ft. or greater elevation, expect to be at least 30-45 sec. per mile slower than your typical marathon (I was). And the first half of the marathon with its nearly-constant 3% climb requires much patience. The Black Hills scenery is beautiful, and there are enough turns in the rail-trail course to keep it interesting. The aid stations were good (except for the HEED energy drink - YUCK) and reasonably spaced. There were a surprising number of very supportive spectators, grouped mostly at the accessible parts of the course. Only a couple complaints: some of the mile markers seemed to be off, possibly due to the course change for 2006, and I was rather disappointed at the food selection at the finish area. All in all, it is a wonderful race, worth it just for the scenery. |
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