Black Hills Veterans March and Marathon

BLACK HILLS VETERAN’S HONOR MARCH AND MARATHON

Event Overview

• Purpose: 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.
• Distance: The 26.2-mile march takes place in the picturesque Black Hills National Forest on the Mickelson Trail.
• Timing: The March is held on a weekend at the end of September.
• Organizers: Conducted under the auspices of the South Dakota National Guard Enlisted Association (SDNGEA).

Historical Background

• Origins: The idea originated from South Dakota Army National Guard soldiers after participating in the Bataan Memorial Death March.
• Location: The Black Hills was chosen as the perfect place to hold a commemorative march.
• Timing Decision: The new event was planned for later in the year to differentiate it from the Bataan Memorial Death March.
• Initial Planning: On September 21, 2002, a team reconnoitered the proposed march route to establish essential logistics.

Development of the Event

• First Recon Team: Members included Ted Deloy, Michael Jones, Matt Lacroix, Ben Lamp, Jeff Nord, Ben Smetana, and Mark Thomas.
• Route: The current route closely matches the original from Rochford to Deadwood, ending at the Rodeo grounds.
• Inaugural Event: The initial march began in September 2004 after getting the green light from SDNGEA in 2004.
• Growth: The event has expanded to hundreds of marchers from across the United States.

Participation Categories

• Team Events: Offered in both Military and Civilian categories.
• Individual Events: Available in Military and Civilian categories.
• Heavy Military: Participants carry a 35lb Rucksack.
• Endurance Options: Includes Marathon, Mini-March, Team Mini-March, and now a 110 Mile Endurance March.

Event Details

• Date: 2026-09-16
• Location: The Mickelson Trail to the Deadwood Rodeo Grounds, Deadwood, SD.
• More Information: Visit the official race page at Black Hills Veterans March and Marathon.