Coon Hollow

Coon Hollow is a technical trail race scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, starting at the Coon Hollow Trailhead near Rockerville, South Dakota. Organized by the Black Hills Runners Club (BHRC), the event follows a figure-eight course design that utilizes a mix of gravel roads, technical dirt single-track, and the historic Flume Trail. Although designated as a 10K, the actual distance is approximately 12K (7.5 miles), featuring significant vertical gain packed into the first half of the route. Runners are advised to manage their pace early to navigate the steep sections before reaching the flatter finishing segments.

Rockerville is a historic settlement in Pennington County, situated in the Black Hills of South Dakota, approximately 9 miles southwest of Rapid City. The population of the Rapid City Metropolitan Area is roughly 147,000, with a demographic makeup that is approximately 78.5% White, 11.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.3% Black. The median household income for Pennington County is approximately $66,000. Geographically, the Black Hills region is characterized by ancient rugged granite peaks and dense ponderosa pine forests. In late April, the climate is highly variable; average daytime highs reach 13°C (55°F), while morning lows often hover around 0°C (32°F). Rapid changes in weather, including late-season snow or spring thunderstorms, are common in this high-altitude environment.

The race logistics emphasize community involvement and environmental stewardship of the Black Hills trails. Due to the limited size of the Coon Hollow Trailhead parking area, carpooling is strongly encouraged for all participants. The course includes sections of the historic Flume Trail, which follows the route of a 19th-century water system used for gold mining. Registration is available online until the day before the race, with day-of registration accepted on a cash-only basis. While the youth entry is free, it does not include race swag. Participants are supported by BHRC volunteers, and the event serves as a challenging early-season test for local trail runners accustomed to technical terrain and steep climbs.