Safety
The Black Hills Veteran March is a long trek for a great cause, where many wonderful memories and camaraderie are made. While we cherish the spirit of this event, safety is our top priority. Our safety page provides essential information on rules, guidelines, and waiver details to ensure a secure journey for everyone. Please review these important safety measures to help us maintain a safe march for all participants.
Think safety while on the Black Hills – Veterans Honor March. The March offers many challenges and some safety concerns unique to the mountains of the Black Hills. Please read all the safety information provided.
Drink plenty of liquids. DRINK BOTH WATER AND SPORTS DRINK. Do not drink only water. Water will be available at all water points. If you march and sweat for a long time and drink only water, you can dilute your body’s electrolytes, which can lead to weakness, nausea and confusion. Remember, by the time you are thirsty, it’s too late! There can be more than seven miles between rest stops you need to be prepared for.
General Safety Guidelines
- Drink plenty of liquids: Water and sports drinks are available at all water points.
- Elevation Range: 4500-6500 feet.
- Listen to your body: Seek help if feeling unwell.
- Be aware of your feet: Take care of hot spots to prevent blisters.
- Use sunscreen and watch your step due to rough terrain.
- Respect wildlife along the route.
- If you see someone in need, report injuries or illnesses to race officials or volunteers.
- Weather can vary: Be prepared for both hot temperatures and potentially blizzard-like conditions.
Event Rules
- Civilian categories are open to everyone.
- Military categories are only open to military ID card holders or ROTC cadets. Eligible cardholders include active-duty military, Reserves, National Guard, academy cadets and retirees.
- Dependents may not enter military categories unless they themselves also fall into one of the previously mentioned groups.
- Participants must wear complete service uniforms and boots.
- Non-standard t-shirts may be worn in place of the regulation t-shirts for teams that want to promote their organization.
- Participants MUST be in full uniform during the opening ceremony at the start of the march and at the finish line. Only uniform tops and headgear may be removed along the route as desired; BUT MUST BE CARRIED. Boots may not be exchanged for any other footgear along the route.
- Footwear is limited to military service recognized boots.
- Anyone caught violating any rules will be disqualified.
- Participants registered in any civilian division may wear any footwear or attire, except any portion of a recognized military uniform.
- Individual components of military type clothing, i.e. BDU trousers, military boots, military headgear, etc. may not be worn.
- Teams representing organizations such as police or fire units may wear uniforms. Uniform fabric should be appropriate for a 26.2-mile march through the mountain terrain. Distinctive unit t-shirts are encouraged in lieu of uniforms.
- We highly recommend each participant always carry at least one quart of water along the route! Water stops can be as far as six miles apart.
- Teams consist of five members. All team members must stay together throughout the entire course.
- Any team finishing with less than five members will be disqualified.
- We want to emphasize the team concept and keep teams together.
- Teams are encouraged to cross together but, the team’s time is established when the last team member crosses the finish line.
- All participants will wear footwear.
- Marchers in the heavy division must have a minimum of 35 pounds in their rucksacks/backpacks, which will be weighed and verified at the finish line.
- The frame of the ruck/backpack counts towards the 35-pound limit.
- Alice Style, Blackhawk and Molle packs are authorized.
- Weighted Vests are not allowed in any category.
- The 35 pounds cannot include rocks, sandbags (unless securely taped shut), logs, water or other items which could be picked up along the route.
- Marchers with less than 35 pounds will be disqualified from the competition.
- Timing chips must be attached to the marcher and must be visible or risk disqualification. The timing chip each marcher receives during in-processing is theirs to keep. It does not have to be returned at the end of the march.
- No pets allowed on the route.
- Participants must complete the course by 5:00 p.m.
- Good sportsmanship is expected at all times.
Waiver & Release
Each marcher must read and sign a waiver/release before participating. Team captains should sign on the first line, followed by team members.
All persons under the age of 18, unless emancipated, must have the written consent of a parent or legal guardian to compete in the Black Hills Veterans March and Marathon.