Black Hills Veteran March and Marathon

About the March

The Black Hills Veteran March and Marathon is a picturesque trek through the mountainous terrain of the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. This march/marathon pays tribute to the many sacrifices that this nation’s veterans have made in the past and continue to make today.

Our History

History of the Black Hills Veteran March

The Black Hills Veteran’s Honor March was conceived in 2002 as a way to honor the sacrifices of the nation’s service men and women. The 26.2-mile march takes place in the picturesque Black Hills National Forest on the Mickelson Trail. The March is held on the third weekend in September annually.

The March, which is conducted under the auspices of the South Dakota National Guard Enlisted Association (SDNGEA), originated from some South Dakota Army National Guard soldiers who had participated in the Bataan Memorial Death March. It was during the long ride home from White Sands, New Mexico that the idea of a commemorative march could be held to honor all Veterans, and that the Black Hills would be a perfect place to hold such an event. Since the Bataan Memorial Death March takes place in late March-early April, the consensus was that this new event should be held later in the year.

On September 21, 2002, seven members of the Army National Guard traveled to Deadwood, SD and set out to reconnoiter the proposed march route and establish sites for water points, rest stops, and lodging requirements. Ted Deloy, Michael Jones, Matt Lacroix, Ben Lamp, Jeff Nord, Ben Smetana, and Mark Thomas were members of the recon team and laid the foundation for this event. The route today closely matches the original route from Rochford to Deadwood, the only change being the decision to end at the Rodeo grounds as compared to main street Deadwood.


After completing the dry run in September 2002, the marchers compiled notes and ideas. Due to mobilization in 2003, the idea had to wait to be presented to the SDNGEA at the state conference in April 2004. The decision was made to have the inaugural march start in September 2004.

Since its inception, the memorial march has grown to hundreds of marchers from across the United States. Events are offered in Teams (Military and Civilian), Individuals (Military and Civilian), Heavy Military (with a 35 lbs. Rucksack), Marathon, Mini-March, Mini-March Teams, and 110 Mile Endurance March.

General FAQs

A. If you do not have a military ID card, you enter the civilian category. If you are military and want to wear your uniform, you enter the military category. If you are military and do not wish to wear your uniform, then you enter the civilian category.

A. You may have someone else pick up your packet but recommend you pick up your own packet. The person picking up your packet will be asked to sign for it. For teams, only the Team Captain should pick up the packets for the entire team. If he/she cannot do this task, another team member may be selected. If you are picking up a packet for another participant, please make sure they are aware, so as not to create confusion by them coming in later and asking for their packet. This will save time and confusion on everyone’s behalf. If you do not pick up your packet or have a bib on race day you will be removed from the course by security.

A. There are portable toilets along the route. We do suggest that you bring a bottle of hand sanitizer and/or baby wipes.

A.  No. Pets are not permitted on the course or at the march site. Exceptions are made for working dogs with certified documentation.

A. A light-category participant does not carry a pack. A heavy-category participant carries a 35-lb pack.

A. No, refunds will NOT be authorized once registered nor will they be issued due to inclement weather or cancelation of the march. You may purchase registration / race insurance through a third party when registering, in the event you need to use the insurance, you will need to work with the company providing the coverage. The Black Hills Veterans March and Marathon does not have the ability to seek/coordinate reimbursement on a participant’s behalf.

Military Category FAQs

A. Yes, participants in military categories must be in a uniform that is in accordance with current military uniform standards.

A. No. Although several services have theater-specific provisions for the wearing of BDU-type shorts, they are not allowed in the military categories. This is in the interest of keeping external advantages to a minimum since several services have no such provision.

A. Yes, as long as you can be in accordance with current military uniform standards.

A. Yes, those entered the civilian category are allowed to use a pioneering pole or hiking pole. Those entered in the military categories may not.

A. 1700 / 5pm.

Team FAQs

A. Teams must consist of 5 members – no more, no less. All members must cross the finish line.

A. No, The Team Captain should pick up the packets for the entire team. If he/she cannot do this task, another team member may be selected. When he/she picks up the packets for the entire team, please make sure they are aware, so as not to create confusion by them coming in later and asking for their packets. This will save time and confusion on everyone’s behalf. If no one picked up the team's packet or if someone from the team or the entire team does not have a bib on race day, you will be removed from the course by security.