Black Hills Veterans March and Marathon

🏅 Event Overview

BLACK HILLS VETERAN’S HONOR MARCH AND MARATHON

The Black Hills Veteran’s Honor March was conceived in 2002 as a way to honor the sacrifices of the nation’s servicemen 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 a weekend at the end of September.

📅 Event Origin

The March, which is conducted under the auspices of the South Dakota National Guard Enlisted Association (SDNGEA), grew out of an idea that 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.

• Origin Year: 2002
• First Participants: South Dakota Army National Guard soldiers
• Event Purpose: To honor all Veterans
• Timing Consideration: Held in late September

🏞️ Route History

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. 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.

• Recon Team: Ted Deloy, Michael Jones, Matt Lacroix, Ben Lamp, Jeff Nord, Ben Smetana, Mark Thomas
• Original Route: From Rochford to Deadwood
• Ending Point: Rodeo grounds
• Event Launch: Inaugural march started in September 2004

🏃‍♂️ Growth and Participation

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

• Participant Growth: Hundreds from across the U.S.
• Event Categories: Multiple categories including Team Military, Individual Military, and more
• Heavy Military Requirement: 35lb Rucksack
• New Addition: 110 Mile Endurance March

🌐 Learn More

For more information and to register, please visit here.