Leading Ladies & Dakota Spirit Marathon
Leading Ladies & Dakota Spirit Half: a net-downhill point-to-point in the Black Hills.
Race Date
Aug 23, 2026
Location
Spearfish, SD
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, August 23, 2026
- Location
- Spearfish, South Dakota
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2M, 10K run | 26.2M relay
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 4,463
Highlights
Course
The Experience
Now in its 20th edition, the Leading Ladies & Dakota Spirit Half Marathon offers a fast, net-downhill point-to-point course through South Dakota's Black Hills. The race draws about 175 finishers from roughly 30 states, with a loyal 20% returning each year.
The course is USATF certified and drops 18.44 meters per kilometer, making it a prime candidate for personal bests. Starting in one location and finishing 71% away, runners enjoy a scenic route through pine-covered slopes and granite peaks that define the Black Hills landscape.
The small field size creates an intimate, community-driven atmosphere. Spectators are sparse but supportive, and the finish line offers a welcoming celebration. For runners seeking a fast, scenic half marathon with a point-to-point challenge, this event is a hidden gem worth traveling for.
Race-provided description
Leading Ladies Marathon / Dakota Spirit Marathon Spearfish, SD, USA - Leading Ladies & Dakota Spirit Marathon, Half Marathon,… - August 18, 2024
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Mountain
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Net Drop/km
+18.44 m
Separation
71.1%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
SD16003BK · Leading Ladies Half Marathon
Net downhill course — fast finishing times are common. Point-to-point course layout.
Quality Score
Standout7021 years running
~174 finishers a year
shrinking
23% returning runners
USATF certified
runners from 22 states
winner 1:15:56
typical high 83°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
61°
Afternoon (High)
83°
Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration
0.1"
Precipitation
14 mph
Wind
51%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 4,463 finishers actually crossed the line across 21 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
4,463
Median time
2:12:00
Latest turnout
149
States
47
Turnout by year
2019–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Leading Ladies & Dakota Spirit Marathon?
The Leading Ladies & Dakota Spirit Marathon is held on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
Where does the Leading Ladies & Dakota Spirit Marathon take place?
It takes place in Spearfish, South Dakota.
What distances does the Leading Ladies & Dakota Spirit Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2M, 10K run | 26.2M relay.
Is the Leading Ladies & Dakota Spirit Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Leading Ladies & Dakota Spirit Marathon is a rolling hills, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Leading Ladies & Dakota Spirit Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 4,463 runners who have completed the Leading Ladies & Dakota Spirit Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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