Brookings Marathon

Marathon:

The Annual Brookings Marathon is a Boston qualifier, USATF Certification #SD18002MN.

The marathon distance has a rich tradition in Brookings. This South Dakota community has hosted a 26.2 mile event since June 21, 1970. The course has varied over the years, with many outstanding performances along the way. However, the present layout has received the most praise and enthusiasm from runners and spectators alike. Re-created in 2004, the Brookings Marathon captures small town running at its finest. All of what makes Brookings a great place to live is on display as runners pace their way through neighborhoods and parks, bike paths and downtown, historic districts and South Dakota State University.

Half Marathon:

USATF Certification #SD18001MN

The half marathon distance has also grown in popularity since the course change in 2004. Runners start with the marathon and follow the same scenic course until around mile 10.5, where they split and head back to Pioneer Park. Maybe it's a chance to challenge yourself beyond the typical 5K, or possibly a warmup for an upcoming marathon. Whatever the reason, this is one half that is sure to fill you with all the excitement that race weekend has to offer.

Marathon Relay:

New for 2023...Custom medals for all team members!

The marathon relay provides opportunities for runners of all abilities. Participants vary from the fleet-footed racing clubs to groups of friends who just want to run for a good cause.

The relay follows the marathon course. There are 6 legs to the marathon relay: 4 miles, 5 miles, 3 miles, 5 miles, 3.2 miles and 6 miles . Relay exchanges occur at or near mile markers: 4, 9, 12, 17, and 20. A relay team consists of 2 to 6 people who run all of the legs in order. Relay exchanges are made with a hand slap. The relay team member who runs the last leg is the only runner to wear a timing chip to capture the finishing time. The start time for relay teams is the "gun time". To be eligible for the course record, a team must consist of 6 people.

Schedule:

5:30 - 6:30 am...Packet Pickup Only - Marathon, Half Marathon, and Relay
6:55 am...Flag presentation and National Anthem
7:00 am...Race start for the marathon, half marathon, and marathon relay
10:00 am...Nick's Hamburgers opens for post-run burger (Pioneer Park)
10:00 am - 1:30 pm...Post-race celebration at The 9 Bar/Cubby's (downtown Brookings)
11:00 pm...Awards presentation for marathon, half marathon, and relay (Pioneer Park)
1:00 pm...Finish line closes

Course Information:

The Annual Brookings Marathon is a Boston qualifier, USATF Certification #SD20001MN (Marathon) and #SD18001MN (Half Marathon).

Our course takes runners through the best rural America has to offer: parks, gardens, bike paths, historic districts and South Dakota State University.

The course is flat, with a gentle grade thrown in here and there to keep things interesting. With the exception of Larson Hill (a 35' high hill that you could walk up and down in a minute) the entire course stays between 1595 and 1680 feet of elevation and never changes more than 40 feet over a single mile.

Because our course traverses the entire city, closing roads during the race would result in frustrated motorists and an increased safety risk. Accordingly, roads are open during the race, with volunteers controlling traffic at major intersections. Traffic in Brookings is light on a Saturday morning, but as in any road race, you are ultimately responsible for your own safety. Use of headphones and other devices that could distract you from traffic is discouraged. In the interest of runner safety, dogs, bikes, strollers and rollerblades are not allowed on the course.

The marathon course is open (water, first aid, traffic control provided) based on a 6 hour pace and the half marathon on a 3 hour pace (13:45 per mile). Participants who are proceeding at a rate slower than this pace may be asked to leave the course for their own safety.

Click here for Course map

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