Overview
The Leading Ladies Marathon draws approximately 125 finishers each June on a scenic road in Spearfish, United States. Spearfish's Leading Ladies Marathon is a popular June Black Hills race with a rolling scenic course. The course follows Spearfish Canyon connectors and northern Black Hills scenic roads. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Leading Ladies Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Leading Ladies Marathon 2027 race day
The next Leading Ladies Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 6 June 2027 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 150 m of climbing on a rolling with moderate climbs layout.
Leading Ladies Marathon course route
The Leading Ladies Marathon is a rolling scenic road course with moderate climbs. Starts and finishes in Spearfish on a women's-focused Black Hills weekend. The course follows Spearfish Canyon connectors and northern Black Hills scenic roads. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs.
Leading Ladies Marathon elevation profile
The Leading Ladies Marathon course is rolling with moderate climbs over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
Entry requirements
Leading Ladies Marathon is typically held in June. Registration opens through https://www.leadingladiesmarathon.com/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Leading Ladies Marathon elevation profile?
- The Leading Ladies Marathon has 150 metres of total climbing and 140 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling with moderate climbs, with 10 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Leading Ladies Marathon?
- The Leading Ladies Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. The Leading Ladies Marathon is a scenic road through Spearfish.
- What time does the Leading Ladies Marathon start?
- The 2027 Leading Ladies Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 6 June 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.leadingladiesmarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Leading Ladies Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes in Spearfish on a women's-focused Black Hills weekend. Updated course maps are published at https://www.leadingladiesmarathon.com/ each year.
- When is the Leading Ladies Marathon and how do I register?
- Leading Ladies Marathon is typically held in June. Registration opens through https://www.leadingladiesmarathon.com/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Leading Ladies Marathon course flat?
- The course includes rolling with moderate climbs. Study the official course profile at https://www.leadingladiesmarathon.com/ before setting pace targets.
- What landmarks does the Leading Ladies Marathon pass?
- The route tours Spearfish Canyon connectors and northern Black Hills roads.
- What weather should runners expect at Leading Ladies Marathon?
- Mild June mornings in Spearfish Canyon country.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
