Maah Daah Hey Trail Run(s)

Event overview

The Maah Daah Hey Trailrun takes place in Medora, North Dakota, on July 24-25, 2026. The event offers multiple point-to-point races that finish in Medora and use the Maah Daah Hey Trail. Distances offered include:

• 3.1+ Miles
• 6.2+ Miles
• 13.1 Miles
• 26.2+ Miles
• 58 Miles
• 116 Miles

Finishers in the 5K, 10K, half and full marathon distances receive a custom finisher medal. Ultra finishers (50 and 100 mile categories listed elsewhere) receive custom belt buckles. Top three men’s and women’s finishers and age-group awards are given for each category.

Course and logistics

The trail passes through the North Dakota Badlands with varied surfaces including dirt, clay, sandstone and scoria, and offers limited shade on exposed ridgelines. Elevation gain varies by distance, ranging from mostly downhill on the shortest course to nearly 11,968 feet on the longest listed distance. There are multiple creek crossings on all courses; some may require getting wet. The 116-mile course no longer crosses the Little Missouri River.

Aid stations appear approximately every 25 miles on long courses. There are about nine road-intersection checkpoints that serve as bailout points and have porta potties and water. Shuttle service is provided for some distances to starting lines; longer ultra distances require participants to arrange their own transportation to starts and for removal if unable to finish. Pacers are allowed for the ultra distances under specific rules and must register and wear an official pacer bib. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.