Maah Daah Hey Trailrun
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Maah Daah Hey Trailrun
The Maah Daah Hey Trailrun is a series of trail races that follow the Maah Daah Hey Trail through the North Dakota Badlands. The race finishes at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Distances range from short runs to multiday ultramarathons and include marked single track, two track, and gravel sections.
- 3.1+ miles
- 6.2+ miles
- 13.1 miles
- 26.2+ miles
- 56 miles
- 112 miles
The course features frequent climbs and descents, varied footing including dirt, clay, sandstone, and scoria, and limited tree cover on most stretches. Butte tops have flat prairie grasslands. Multiple creek crossings occur on every distance; some crossings can be dry while others require getting wet. The water in the Badlands is described as having a chocolate milk color and is not potable.
Logistics include aid stations roughly every 25 miles with volunteers, shaded tents, chairs, porta potties, and cold water. There are about nine road checkpoints where the trail meets back roads; these serve as the main bailout points and are more frequent on the southern half of the course. Shuttle service is provided to start lines for some distances, while 50, 75, and 100 mile participants must arrange their own transport to starts and pickup if they cannot finish. Pacers on foot are allowed for the longer ultras under specified rules and registration. Finishers of shorter distances receive medals and ultrarunners receive custom belt buckles; top finishers and age group awards are given. A 36 hour cutoff applies to the 100 mile race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.