5K, 10K, Half & Full Marathons

  • 5k races
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    About 5k races

    A 5K is the shortest of the common running event distances, consisting of 3.1 miles (5 kilometers).  These events can either be competitive or social, depending on the particular event you are looking into running.  5Ks are the most popular of road running events because of their relatively short distance which allows not only the seasoned runners to run, but novice runners, joggers, and newcomers as well.  5Ks are also something fun for families to do together.

    How did we choose the best 5K events in South Dakota?

    We checked what events runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event.  Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered.

    Other factors include how long the course has been around, the race swag and medals, what runners thought of them and how scenic the course is.  There are currently 89 5K races in the state of South Dakota.  Most of these 5K races are held in June, July and October.  Sioux Falls and Rapid City are home to most of these 5K events.

    What are the best 5K races in Sioux Falls?

    There are many 5K races to choose from in Sioux Falls as it is the most populous city in the state of South Dakota.  Some of these are charity events for fundraising, some are fun runs and others are racing events, but it all comes down to the runners.  Some of the most notable 5K running events in Sioux Falls include the Chilly Cheeks 5K Run, the Jingle Bell Run, and the Avera Cancer Institute's Race Against Breast Cancer.

    What are the best 5K races in Rapid City?

    There are many 5K races to choose from in Rapid City as it is the second most populous city in the state of South Dakota.  Rapid City, South Dakota is home to the Black Hills Runners Club, which is named for the eastern slope of the Black Hills Mountain Range that Rapid City is set against.  In fact, Rapid City is known as the "Gateway to the Black Hills".

    Some of the 5K marathon runs are charity events for fundraising, some are fun runs and others are racing events, but it all comes down to the runners.  Some of the most notable 5K events in Rapid City are the Halloween Sock Hop and the Turkey Trot.

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  • 10k races
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    About 10k races

    A 10K is one of the most common running event distances, consisting of 6.2 miles (10 kilometers). These events can either be competitive or more for fun, depending on the particular one you are looking into. They are twice the distance of the 5K and still  relatively short in distance. Less runners tend to participate then the 5K, but these events still get a lot of not only seasoned runners, but novice runners and joggers in attendance.

    How did we choose the best 10K events in South Dakota? 

    We checked what events runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event. Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered. Other factors included how long the course has been around, the bling and medals, what runners thought of them and how scenic the course is.  According to Running in the USA, there are 27 10K races in South Dakota.

    What are the best 10K races in Sioux Falls?

    There are many 10K races to choose from in Sioux Falls as it is the most populous city in the state of South Dakota.  Some of these are charity events for fundraising, some are fun runs and others are racing events, but it all comes down to the runners.  Some of the most notable 10K running events in Sioux Falls include the Avera Cancer Institute's Race Against Breast Cancer and the Trick or Treat Trail Run.

    What are the best 10K races in Rapid City?

    There are many 10K races to choose from in Rapid City as it is the second most populous city in the state of South Dakota.  Some of these 10K races are charity events for fundraising, some are fun runs and others are racing events, but it all comes down to the runners.  Some of the most notable 10K races in Rapid City include the Fat Tire Festival 10K Trail Run, the Rapid Run & Roll 10K and the Wellfully Stampede 10K.

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  • Half marathons
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    About Half marathons

    A Half Marathon event consists of running 13 miles (21 kilometers) and as the label suggests, is half of a standard Marathon of 26 miles.  The popularity, participants of the half marathon distance, and its events have significantly grown since the early 2000's and they continue to do so, with massive events popping up all over the states.  The growth rate of participants for the half marathon distance is currently higher than that of the full.  According to Running In the USA, there are 14 half marathons in the state of South Dakota.  These half marathons are held from April to October, with most occurring in September.

    How did we choose the best Half Marathon events in South Dakota?

    We checked what events runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event.  Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered.  Other factors include how long the event has been around, the runner perks and Finisher's Medals, what runners thought of the event and how scenic the 13.1-mile course is.

    What are the best Half Marathon events in South Dakota?

    There are many popular half marathon events to choose from in South Dakota.  These half marathon events are held in several different cities throughout the state.  The Black Hills Mountain Range is a popular backdrop for most of these 13.1 mile races in South Dakota.  Some of these are charity events for fundraising, some are fun runs, and others are racing events but it all comes down to the runners.  The most notable half marathon events in South Dakota are the Sioux Falls Half Marathon, the Brookings Marathon and the Spearfish Canyon Half Marathon.

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  • Marathons
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    About Marathons

    Marathon events consist of 26 miles (42 kilometers) and the courses are typically laid out through roads. Starting in the Olympics in the early 1900's, marathons have quickly picked up in popularity and in 2017 there are currently more than 800 events being held in North America, and that number is consistently growing.  Over 90% of these marathons are being held in the United States, with 7%  being held in Canada.  About 72% of these marathons are certified, which means they are Boston Marathon Qualifiers.  September and October are the most popular months for marathon events, with over 100 in each month.

    How did we choose the best Marathon events in South Dakota?

    We checked what events runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event.  Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered.  Other factors include how long the event has been around, the runner perks and Finisher's Medals, what runners thought of the event and how scenic the 26.2-mile course is.  Three of the nine marathons described above are qualifiers for the Boston Marathon.

    What are the best Marathon events in South Dakota?

    North Dakota is home to 10 marathons with most of these held in June and September.  Some of the more notable marathon events in South Dakota include the Brookings Marathon, the Leading Ladies' Marathon and Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon.

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