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 marathon course is open (water, first aid, traffic control provided)
based on a 6 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
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:
The relay follows the marathon course. There are 6 legs to the marathon relay:
4 miles, 5 miles, 3 miles, 5 miles, 3 miles and 6.2 miles. 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. To be eligible for the course
record, a team must consist of 6 people. The team entry fee of $90 is
the same regardless of team size.
Please do not park on the marathon course when waiting at relay exchange
points. Recommended parking areas are identified below.
Exchange Point #1:
Mile 4: Park in Performing Arts Center parking lot. Mile 4 is located
where course cuts off of 11th Street into McCrory Gardens.
Exchange Point #2:
Mile 9: Park in Larson Park parking lot. Enter from Eastbrook Drive
off of 22nd Avenue to avoid runners. Mile 9 is south of Larson Hill.
Exchange Point #3:
Mile 12: Park in Wesleyan Church parking lot, 1420 Orchard Dr. Enter
parking lot from Orchard drive to avoid runners. Mile 12 is located
at 5th St. South and Heritage.
Exchange Point #4:
Mile 17: Park in Fishback Soccer Complex parking lot. Mile 17 is located
on 20th Street South, north of main soccer field.
Exchange Point #5:
Mile 20: Park on 7th Avenue, north of 12th St. South. Mile 20 is 100
feet west of 7th Ave and 12th St So. intersection.
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. Quick down and up, shouldn't be too noticeable.
Miles 11-13
Through town, no significant
changes Mile 13 This will be on gravel for about a half mile.
Should be firm. Open area here and could be windy from almost
any direction. Once to the bike path, all smooth asphalt with
adjoining grass surface.
Mile 13-17
Bike path with gentle
rolling hills to mile marker 14. From 14 to near 16, a gradual
downhill. Most troublesome would be wind out of the south, but
do have some protection along bike path for much of this stretch.
Miles 17-20
Gentle rolling hills,
slightly up. Not much wind protection. The long stretch
along 12th Street just before mile marker 20 should allow view of participants
ahead or behind you.
Mile 20-22
Very gentle uphill, continuing
through Half Moon Road.
Mile 23
All of the sidewalks here
pass under roads, fairly well protected. From Council Ridge Rd
to the water station is a fairly brisk rise of about 50-60 feet.
Also enough curves that you can't see too far ahead. From the
water station to Western Ave is downhill.
Mile 24-25
A little more exposed,
at least to mile marker 25.
Mile 25-26
No significant elevation
changes. Well protected back to Pioneer Park.
