This is a superb race in the northern Black Hills of South Dakota.

Where do I start?

The trail / route itself is a very clean trail, much of which is single track. There are few rocks, it's certainly one of the less technical races of the Black Hills Trail Running Series. The RD's did a superb job marking the course. There are a few climbs but they're typically fairly short and steep.

A smidge under 6 was the total distance, so it's short enough that most novice runners can tackle the distance. There's an aid station on the course with fluids, perfectly ample for this distance where you probably don't have to bring your own bottle with.

The race is inexpensive, participants received a free buff this year + being put into the drawing for a bunch of swag after the run. Everyone got a coupon for a great local bar/restaurant for afterwards and the place was packed with tons of friendly runners and great food that morning / afternoon :)

This was a killer event! The best thing about it? No entry fee :) The swag, which was a very cool branded glass, was for sale if you wanted.

On this route, you'll find a bit of climbing, but for the most part it's not terribly challenging. The terrain is rocky at times, but nothing that I was ever concerned about. Generally the course is on mountain bike trail and it was fairly groomed and easy to navigate.

I marked this race as "road" however that is not quite accurate. The majority of the route is on the Mickelson Trail, which is a Rails to Trails project. So, it's most like a very very nice gravel road, which I loved.

Both distances start at the same time, run a little on the memorial grounds and separate when we hit the trail. The marathoners go right and do an out and back before joining the half marathon route. Both finish in downtown Hill City. The 10 miles from the memorial to town is a slight downhill, but the race comes out about even because the gravel will slow you down a bit as well as the first 3 miles having some good climbs.

An excellent race. The views are great, the course is pleasant, and the medal is one of the coolest I've ever earned.

I believe 2014 was the first year of this event, and I'm so glad I was able to attend! I cannot say enough good things about Hell Canyon!

The first mile is a STEEP uphill that even had the front of the packers speed hiking, after that is levels out into a slight uphill for the remainder out section, running along the side of the canyon. The RDs instructed us to try to avoid passing here, as it's quite narrow and there's a huge drop-off down to the bottom of the canyon. The view here is incredible.

When you get close to the turnaround you very quickly drop to the bottom of the canyon and the run to the finish is right below where you were just running, but it's completely different terrain. From running on rocky and steep single track you go to nice path with trees, lots of green grass, and a small creek.

The Black Hills Trail Running Series always has TONS of swag to give away, and they do so by random drawing. They keep track of your placing for the entire trail series, but no awards are given for individual events. All of their events are very affordably priced and you always get something much better than a horrible cotton shirt.

Really nice run. The first half was solid uphill which means the last part was a good rolling net downhill. Lots of trail variation, the super rocky descents really stick out in my mind.

I recall parking being an issue here, more than usual at these races that are held at trailheads with smaller parking lots.

There's an aid station during this event and if I recall, it's a lolly pop shaped route, so you double back and end up returning on the same part you came. Great views, good trails.