Half Marathon : Course Information

Course Video | Course Map | Course Commentary

USATF Certification #SD 03052 PR. USATF sanction pending.

Our course takes runners through the best rural America has to offer: Parks, Gardens, Bike Paths, Historic Districts and South Dakota State University.

Most of the course is asphalt, with grass adjoining the pavement in many areas for runners who prefer an alternative surface. 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, bikes, strollers and rollerblades are not allowed on the course.

The half marathon course is open (water, first aid, traffic control provided) based 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.

Course Video

Google Earth - Flyover
Google Earth

Take a 3D flyover of the course using Google Earth*.

Download the Brookings Marathon file. When the map loads, select Tools > Play Tour to watch the flyover.

* Google Earth is a FREE application available for Windows and Mac users.
Course Map

You may download the Brookings Marathon, Half Marathon and Marathon Relay Course Map in PDF format:

Course Map (PDF - 51KB)

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Course Commentary

Miles 1-2

  • Well protected, established trees all around.  Flat but a few turns.  At the one mile marker down to Western Ave, there will be a very gentle downhill (note, course varies in elevation about 100 feet start to finish).

Mile 2-3

  • At Sexauer Park, there will be a short stretch on firm grass.  A small, narrow bridge crosses a creek here.  Gentle uphill to Rotunda Lane.  A little more open here, could have some wind if out of the north.

Miles 3-5

  • Through campus and fairly well protected.  The section through McCrory will have some stretches on grass and a dirt path.  Lots of trees and some flowers by mid-May.

Miles 5-8

  • Back through main part of town.  Well protected and little elevation change.

Mile 8-9

  • Gentle downhill to Larsen park and mile marker nine.  Here is the base of the biggest hill on the course.  Rises about 70 feet in a 200 yard stretch.  On the back side of the hill is a fairly quick but short downhill stretch.

Miles 9-11

  • Minimal elevation change, again through established trees and in town.

Mile 11

  • Here half marathoners split off.  Marathoners will go under the railroad tracks through a viaduct and half marathoners will make one more loop before heading back to Pioneer Park.

Miles 11-13

  • Through town, no significant changes.

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