BELLE FOURCHE—Belle Fourche resident, Michelle Schmidt, recently took part in the Black Hills 100 ultra trail running event in Sturgis, South Dakota, completing the 50k race (32 miles). The event features 4 distances including a 100 mile, 50 mile, 50k (32 mile), and 30k (18 mile) distance. The race draws participants from all across the United States and other countries.
Michelle was the first place finisher in the Women’s Grand Masters age category (50 – 59) and for her efforts she was awarded an amazing buffalo statue. First place finishers in the 100 mile race and runners that complete all 4 distances over a period of years receive specialized, decorated buffalo skulls.
The 50k participants started their journey at Dalton Lake in Vanocker Canyon between Sturgis and Nemo, South Dakota and the race concludes for all distances at the Sturgis City Park near the high school football field in Sturgis, SD. The runs take place exclusively on the Centennial Trail (Trail 89) with the last mile being on the City of Sturgis’s bike path from the end of the trail to the finish line at the park. Belle Fourche residents Chris & Shannon Stores are in their 16th year of putting on the races and are pros at organizing, arranging, and keeping track of the hundreds of runners that compete every year.
The event is also assisted by numerous amazing volunteers who man the aid stations for the runners day and night and make sure everyone stays safe and healthy throughout the multiple hours out on the trails. For more information check out the race’s website at: https://www. blackhills100.com/
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