Mount Rushmore Half Marathon
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Mount Rushmore Half Marathon
The Mount Rushmore event features a half marathon and a 5K held on separate dates in 2026. Distances:
- 13.1 miles : Half Marathon, Sept 12, 2026
- 3.1 miles : 5K around Lake Estes, July 31 - Aug 1, 2026
The half marathon begins at Ghost Canyon Getaway and follows Iron Mountain Road for much of the course, finishing at the Borglum Story Museum in Keystone, SD. The route is an uphill paved course with approximately 1,850 ft of elevation gain and a final downhill finish. Organizers operate five aid stations on course and a 4-hour time limit for the half marathon.
Race weekend includes an expo and bib pickup at Baymont by Wyndham in Keystone, with an option to have bibs shipped for a $30 fee. Parking is provided at both start and finish locations; shuttle service returns runners who parked at the start to their cars. Spectators are advised to use the finish area in Keystone and not to spectate along the race course; spectator access to the runner recovery area is restricted.
The event maintains a zero waste approach with cup-free, self-serve aid stations and encourages reusable hydration systems. Camping is available next to the start at the official Vacation Races Campground; sites are primitive, include toilets and water, do not allow wood fires, and have specific pricing for tents and RVs. Place medals are awarded to top finishers across overall and age categories, and all finishers receive a finisher medal. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
