Mount Rushmore Half Marathon
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Event overview
The Mount Rushmore Half Marathon is a half marathon event in Keystone, South Dakota, scheduled for September 12, 2026. The course starts near Hermosa at Ghost Canyon Getaway and finishes in Keystone at the Borglum Story Museum. Shuttle service is available between the start and finish, and parking is provided at both locations. Registration is offered in multiple price periods; event pricing ranges from $135 to $210 depending on the registration period.
Course and logistics
The course begins with about 3 miles on a well-packed dirt road before turning to pavement. It is an overall uphill route with an elevation gain of 1,850 ft and a maximum elevation of 5,440 ft; organizers rate the difficulty about 4.5/5. The event uses a 4-hour chip-time limit. Aid on course includes five aid stations, a medic located at Mile 7, toilets, water, Gnarly Hydrate electrolyte drink, Honey Stinger gels, and fruit at later stations. The race is cup-free on course; participants are asked to bring a reusable cup, hydration pack, or request a collapsible cup when they register. An expo and bib pickup are scheduled the day before the race at the Baymont by Wyndham in Keystone. An official primitive campground is located adjacent to the start area; campsite options include self-supplied sites, tent rentals, and trailer/RV spaces without hookups. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.