Mount Rushmore Half Marathon
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Event overview
The Mount Rushmore Half Marathon is scheduled for September 12, 2026, in the Keystone/Hermosa area of South Dakota. The race starts at Ghost Canyon Getaway in Hermosa and finishes at the Borglum Story Museum in Keystone. The course is described as overall uphill with an elevation gain of 1,850 ft and a maximum elevation of 5,440 ft. The event uses chip timing and has a 4 hour time limit.
Course and logistics
The route begins on a well-packed dirt road for about 3 miles before turning to pavement. The course is paved after the dirt section and is not considered accessible due to its incline. There are five aid stations on course; the medic station is located at mile 7. Aid station amenities include toilets, water, Gnarly Hydrate electrolyte drink, Honey Stinger gels, and fruit at later stations. The event is cup-free on course, so participants must bring a reusable cup, bottle, or hydration pack.
Event logistics include parking at both the start and finish and shuttle service between the finish and the start for runners who parked at the start. An official Vacation Races campground is adjacent to the start and expo; it offers primitive campsites, toilets, water, campfires, tent rentals, and RV spaces without hookups. Campsite reservation prices are listed for several options. Expo and bib pickup take place in Keystone the day before the race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
