The Leading Ladies Marathon course starts at 6,000 feet and runs downhill into Spearfish losing 2,400 feet down to a finishing elevation just above 3,600 feet. As with any of the significantly downhill races like this, managing pacing and reducing braking is very important in hitting goal times on this potentially "quad-busting" course.
Temperatures at the start line may be about ten degrees lower than in Spearfish, but as you progress down the the course, temperatures could reach into the upper 60s and low 70s during the race.
The Leading Ladies Marathon was the 351st largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 334th largest in 2022.
This year 20.4% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 29.6% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Leading Ladies Marathon the 19th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 45th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 101.54 ranks it as the 20th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest course in South Dakota.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Leading Ladies Marathon a PR Score of 99.88. This PR Score ranks it as the 34th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest in South Dakota.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Leading Ladies Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 6065 feet (1849m) Min Elevation: 3669 feet (1118m)
Andrea from Florida's review of 2024 Leading Ladies Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
I loved the course and support. Everyone in the race and all of the volunteers were very friendly. Even the people in Spearfish were awesome. The course was mostly downhill. I didn't love running on the open road, but traffic wasn't too bad. We were lucky with a beautiful day, although it was pretty warm by the end. It was still cooler than my summer training!
Race Tips
I drove my care to the City Park to catch the shuttle. I was glad I did because the one from the host hotel was full. The race organizers were able to pivot and send the less than full busses to get them.
The host hotel was very accommodating. I spearfish was close enough to Devil's Tower NP, Mt. Rushmore NP, Wind Cave NP and Custer SP where I got to see lots of bison! This was a great experience and absolutely worth the trip , especially if you're trying to do a marathon or half in each state.
Wr's review of 2016 Leading Ladies Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Nice course. Needed more portapotties and volunteers at each water stop.
Race Tips
First mile and turnaround at around 11 are uphill, go easy on those
Race is still small enough that you can stay at any hotel and have someone drive you right to the start. The Lodge at Deadwood is hands down the best local place to stay. If you're coming to also enjoy the Black Hills- splurge for a local cabin- you won't be sorry!
