Challenge Dakota

Challenge Dakota Challenge Hot Springs supports active events in and around Hot Springs, South Dakota. Our motto:
Cou Courage • Honor • Strength.

Short Description
CHALLENGE DAKOTA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports active events in and around Hot Springs, South Dakota, especially stair climbing races and challenges. When we are strong individuals, our country is stronger. When we are honorable, we demand honor from our leaders. When we are courageous, we give courage to the nation. Activities include: Organizers of Stars,

Stripes & Steps (stair-climbing race) and the 9/11 Grand Stair Challenge, sponsors of active events, maintaining a Race Kit of shareable event needs such as coolers, tables, banners and time clock. Establishment of funds to repair/replace major electronics in race kit and to preserve Hot Spring's historic staircases.

03/25/2026
Today I came across a blog about a California marathon that told participants—in advance—that they could get finisher me...
03/13/2026

Today I came across a blog about a California marathon that told participants—in advance—that they could get finisher medals even if they decided to turn around at mile 18 due to the heat—which was projected to be in the 80s. Not the 100s. Not even the 90s. The 80s.

The blogger summarized the controversy. Those opposed to the decision said that no one should get an award if they DNF; and that most runners would be ashamed to take it. And that, after all, it is California.

Those who supported the decision said it may have saved lives by encouraging people to stop before the 'brutal' heat got them; and that 18 miles is still an accomplishment.

Apparently no one thought that the whole concept of calling a race because temps might get into the 80s was absurd.

Marathoners have pushed through worse temps than 80s. And marathoners have decided that the day's heat (or cold, rain, hail...) was too much for them and pulled out mid race. There is no shame in cutting short your run because your body or the environment just isn't working out that day.

Isn't there more shame in taking the unearned Finish Medal?

But there is something profoundly wrong with an organization deciding IN ADVANCE to make a blanket award to every single person who decides not to complete the journey.

Most marathoners are not in it to win. They are in it to finish. if they can. They are in it to try....and if they cannot make it that day, they are in it to live to try another day.

Ah well....it was California, after all. Here in South Dakota, we don't plan in advance to fail. We challenge ourselves. We listen to our bodies. We encourage others. We have fun.

And if we don't get the medal this time, we plan to try again next year.

(All that said, there are rare times when a Race Director should give a finish medal to someone who didn't cross the line in the allotted time frame...perhaps a topic for another day?)

11/27/2025
Our sister stair climb is almost here! Just three weeks to the big day. Be sure to register now!
05/05/2025

Our sister stair climb is almost here! Just three weeks to the big day. Be sure to register now!

We ordered some extra shirts, so even though we cannot guarantee, they are first come, first served, while they last. So don't delay, register right away!

https://www.getmeregistered.com/starsstripessteps

04/26/2025

The stairs are here all the year! Join us on Memorial Day.

REGISTER NOW!

GetMeRegistered.com/StarsStripesSteps

Spring training! At last some glorious outdoor temps to get out and get moving. Don't you love to hear that river roar i...
03/15/2025

Spring training! At last some glorious outdoor temps to get out and get moving. Don't you love to hear that river roar in the springtime?

Address

P. O. Box 876
Hot Springs, SD
57747

Telephone

(605) 890-1515

Website

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