Aug 2019 Maah Daah Hey Race (Submitted photo)
Correction: we incorrectly listed the Maah Daah Hey race as taking place on Saturday, Aug. 3rd. The correct date is Saturday, Aug. 1st. The story below has been updated to reflect this. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
The 9th annual Maah Daah Hey race takes place on Saturday, Aug. 1 on one of world's most majestic singletrack trails and it is right here in our own backyard.
Racers from all over the United States have been eagerly awaiting this competitive race. There will be five races plus a kid's race: 13-mile, 25-mile, 50-mile, 75-mile, and 100-mile (which is 106-miles.) Each race will have a maximum of 200 riders except for the 100-mile race, which allows for 300 riders. Each race will have a different starting point and have staggered starts but will all cross the same finish line in Medora.
The words Maah Daah Hey comes from the language of the local Mandan and Hidatsa tribes meaning "something that has been or will be around for a long time." This breathtaking terrain takes riders through the Badlands and consists of flat prairie grasslands, jagged peaks and valleys, intertwining rivers and has multiple climbs and descents.
Each course will be marked with turtle signs. The turtle is a sign of longevity and according to http://www.turtleknowledge.com, in "Native American cultures, the turtle represents Mother Earth, and the Turtle symbol signifies good health and long life." We have all heard the phrase "Slow-n-Steady Winds the Race."
Three Aid Stations will be set up every 25 miles, giving racers the opportunity to refuel. These stations will be staffed with volunteers who will be ready to help riders with dehydrating liquids, power bars, and various refreshments. Aid Stations will also have porta potties, chairs, shaded tents, and volunteer bike mechanics.
In addition to the three Aid Stations, there will be nine check points where the Maah Daah Hey Trail intersects the "major" back roads. If you are planning on racing, these checkpoints are your only "bailout" options. Each checkpoint will have porta potties and water.
Interested riders can still register at https://www.experienceland.org/maah-daah-hey-100.
Times: Various - Pilot cars depart, leading racers to their starting points at various times beginning at 3:30 a.m.
5:15 - 5:45 a.m. - MANDATORY Racer Check-in
5:45 a.m. - Line up at starting line according to your estimated pace
5:50 a.m. - National Anthem and final instructions
6 a.m. SHARP - Gun Start
10 a.m. - Massage tent and food tent open at the Finish Line Area
11 a.m. - MDH25 Award Ceremony at the Finish Line
2 p.m. - MDH50 Award Ceremony at the Finish Line
5 p.m. - MDH75 Award Ceremony at the Finish Line
8 p.m. - MDH100 Award Ceremony at the Finish Line
Midnight - Racecourse is closed!
Awards: All 100-mile race finishers will receive a custom designed wood medal and all racers who finish the 100-mile course in under 10 hours will receive a custom MDH100 belt buckle. Monetary prizes will be given to the first, second, and third place Men's and Women's finishers.
Categories: - 7 and under boys and girls; 8 to 12 year old boys and girls; 13 to 19 male and female; Men's and Women's 20 to 29; Men's and Women's 30 to 39; Men's and Women's 40 to 49; Men's and Women's 50 to 59; Men's and Women's 60 and Over; Men's and Women's Single Speed; Tandem; Relay Teams
Spectators are welcome and encouraged to cheer on racers. Maps will be available for those wishing to cheer from the course or from the finish line.
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