About This Race
The Blood Run offers a unique ultra experience on an organic vegetable farm near Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This intimate, grassroots event features a simple 1.5-mile loop course that runners navigate for 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, or 48 hours, accumulating distance on relatively flat terrain around working farm fields. The race embraces a low-key, community atmosphere where runners can camp on-site and crews can easily support from multiple locations. What sets The Blood Run apart is its farm setting and accessibility. The course follows dirt paths and pasture areas around vegetable fields, with miniature farm animals providing entertainment along the way. With minimal elevation change and a fully stocked aid station passed every 1.5 miles, this event focuses on mental endurance and strategy rather than technical terrain challenges. The single aid station features flush toilets, a luxury often missing from remote trail events. The staggered start format creates an engaging dynamic, with different distances beginning at various times but all finishing together at noon on Sunday. This structure allows the running community to celebrate together regardless of chosen distance. The farm setting provides ample camping opportunities, making it an ideal destination event for runners seeking a relaxed, supportive environment to test their endurance limits.
The 1.5-mile loop course circles an organic vegetable farm on predominantly flat terrain. Runners follow well-traveled dirt paths and some pasture sections where farm animals graze. The surface varies based on seasonal rainfall, ranging from packed earth to softer ground conditions. The course offers minimal elevation change, making it ideal for runners focusing on time and distance goals rather than technical challenges.
Each loop passes a single, fully equipped aid station with flush toilets and comprehensive supplies. The route provides easy crew access from campsites and parking areas, allowing for flexible support strategies. The farm environment offers pastoral views and a peaceful setting, though runners should expect some repetition given the short loop distance.
Practical Info
Early September in South Dakota typically features warm days and cooler nights, with temperatures ranging from 50s to 70s Fahrenheit.
FSD - Sioux Falls Regional Airport
On-site camping is available for runners and crews. Sioux Falls offers standard hotel accommodations approximately 20 miles north of the venue.
Best For
Notable Features
The Blood Run stands out for its farm setting with miniature animals, on-site camping opportunities, and single aid station with flush toilets. The staggered start format creates a unique community atmosphere where all distances finish together on Sunday at noon, fostering camaraderie across different race goals. The organic farm location provides a peaceful, rural environment rarely found in ultra racing.