South Dakota: Mount Rushmore, the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon, and a Storm We'll Never Forget

Married DINK (Dual Income, No Kids) couple, Nathan and Alicia have made adventure a non-negotiable part of their everyday life. In Episode 20, they take you back to May 2022 and one of the most unforgettable trips of their 50-state marathon journey as Nathan seeks to run a marathon in every state.It started as a straightforward plan: drive from Denver to Keystone, South Dakota to visit Mount Rushmore, then head east to Brookings, South Dakota for the Brookings Marathon. Mount Rushmore delivered everything they hoped for and more. What happened on the drive to Brookings did not.What followed was one of the most terrifying experiences of their lives, a storm that stopped traffic on the highway, turned the sky pitch black in the middle of the afternoon, and changed everything about how this trip was going to go. The marathon was gone. The town had no power. They pivoted to Minnesota, got that state crossed off, and still needed South Dakota.A few weeks later, the day after Alicia ran the Revel Rockies Half Marathon in Morrison, Colorado, they drove back to South Dakota for the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon. And Deadwood had a few surprises of its own.They had the chance to sit down with the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon race director, Emily specifically for this episode. Emily has been the race director since 2010. She shares the race's history, its place in the Deadwood community, and everything she has built around race weekend this year. If you have ever thought about running a destination marathon, this conversation will move the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon to the top of your list.RESOURCES:RACE:Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon FacebookInstagramRACE WEEKEND EVENTS:Wild West Legends Shakeout Hike, Saturday June 6, free, meet at Deadwood Visitor CenterVolksmarch at Crazy Horse Memorial, Saturday June 6, 8am to 1pm, $4 cashFast 5K, Kids 1k Saturday June 6Marathon, Half Marathon, and Marathon Relay, Sunday, June 7Post-Race Party at Outlaw Square, Sunday June 7, 2 to 5pmXTERRA:Xterra Trail Run World Championship infoHOTELS:K Bar S Lodge, Keystone, SDHampton Inn Deadwood at the Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort, Deadwood, SDMy Place Hotel, Brookings, SDRESTAURANTS:The Powder House, Keystone, SDDeadwood Social Club at Saloon No. 10, Deadwood, SDATTRACTIONS:Mount Rushmore National MemorialCrazy Horse MemorialALICIA'S RACE:Revel Rockies Half Marathon (no longer held, but Revel still has several other races)JOIN OUR COMMUNITY AND STAY UP TO DATESign up for our NewsletterRead this episode's blog for more tips and exclusive pictures.OUR LINKS:Our Website: marryingyourpassions.comFollow us: @marryingyourpassions on Facebook and InstagramCheck out Alicia's Reviews on Google MapsCheck out Nathan's Reviews on TripAdvisorMarrying Your Passions is the podcast for DINKs (Dual Income, No Kids), SINKs (Single Income, No Kids), empty nesters, recently retired couples, and anyone ready to make adventure part of their everyday life. We believe you do not have to wait for someday. Whether you are chasing all 50 states for marathons, fun, or otherwise, exploring national parks, or just looking for your next great trip, we are here to help you marry your passions and live fully now! New episodes every other week.