Glacier Hills Ultra

11/07/2025

Lost and Found!

Some nice gloves were left at the race, reach out if they're yours!
Some Watertown crew took home an extra headlamp, reach out if its yours!

11/04/2025

If you aren't social media savvy or want to share your photos with those not on social media, view/share the link below to Black Boot Photography Zenfolio site!

by Black Boot Photography

11/03/2025

We were able to give out 9 Betty's and 3 mini Betty's this year! That's 9 people that have run at least 3 years with us and 3 people that have run at least 6 years with us! 🤯

Last year we were a little busy trying to figure out our first rodeo as the new race directors to realize that it was also the 10th running of the event!

When we realized it, we got curious if anyone has run every year... well, not quite!!!

Our friend Brandon Boe missed the very first year of the event, but has been putting in the loops, miles and time ever since! We were able to celebrate his 10th year at Glacier Hills this year!!!

We let him do the following math:
39 loops
245 miles
74,288,214 minutes
Spent at Glacier Hills over the past 10 years!

Congrats to Boe! Thank you for coming back year after year!

11/03/2025

Your photos are ready!!!!

The Amazing Char put in over 16 miles and took over 1500 photos while capturing your beautiful smiles yesterday! We're so blessed to be able to call her our friend and to have her as a part of our wonderful community!

Facebook isn't playing nice today, so please go visit her page at Black Boot Photography and click the photos to find the entire Glacier Hills 2025 album and all of your photos!

From Char herself
"You guys!!! What a race! Glacier Hills Ultra Races 2025 knows how to have a party! Facebook does not! Sorry if I uploaded pics twice or three times - FB was NOT my friend today. I also had a case of fat mitten fingers so at times, my covered mit turned my camera to video -I have t figure out how to download that yet and compress - BUT there is hope! So I may have inadvertantently taken video of you and not a pic! One runner stopped and took my picture of me taking his picture!!! EEEEK! I saw so many friends on the trail doing hard stuff, I saw tears - not on the trail, but at the finish line! I saw friends helping friends getting through the laps, cheering each other on, high fives, and lots of hugs! I GET IT!! What an accomplishment to finish any distance! Congrats!!!

Send a message to learn more

11/02/2025

The day after.

We hope every sore muscle ache, bothersome blister, and beautiful black toenail you have today reminds you of all the fun you had yesterday and that you are capable of doing hard things! We also hope you enjoyed your extra hour of sleep (we sure did!)!

Thanks to that extra hour of sleep, we've been able to do just a little bit of number crunching!
*Totals might not be exact - runner math is hard!

2613 cumulative miles ran
1500+ photos snapped by Black Boot Photography (still working on them - we'll notify you when they're ready!)
420 cumulative 10k loops
500ish pancakes
365 days of planning
$316 raised for ALS on raced day ($12,610 since the Blood Run!)
140 finishers
26 pounds of bacon
18 wonderful volunteers
15 minutes and 33 seconds of vidoegraphy by RD Lance Smith
14 flamingos
9 Betty's + 3 mini Betty's awarded
7 states + 1 Canadian province represented
6 tired but grateful race directors
5 overly packed vehicles
3 pounds of Crow Coffee
3 Costumed Yetis
2 overly packed trailers
Countless conversations, friendships, and fantastic feats witnessed
1 amazing day at an epic party in the woods!

Again, thank you so much for choosing to run with us and for bringing your family and friends to the party! We'll see you again next year!!

Enjoy the vidoegraphy by RD Lance Smith, just a tiny snippet of all the amazing things that went down yesterday!
https://youtu.be/-UXIwhdQIWs?si=fZ35y21Yh7kCU3a7

11/01/2025

*Edit because I forgot someone...😫!
WOW!! What a day! It's exhausting watching you all crush it today!

However, the Glacier Hills Race Directing Crew has somehow managed to slowly crawl out of their natural habitat in the woods and return to civilization and cell service/Wi-Fi. We’re attempting to locate our ducks and put them in a row, but thanks to our amazing volunteer, Nate S, there should some results uploaded already for you!
Which leads into the body of our post: we have more than a few thank yous to throw out there, because the 6 of us certainly couldn’t do this on our own…

PLEASE give a big round of applause for our amazingly wonderful and underpaid volunteers who made this year flow so effortlessly and efficiently! Aaron and Kelly were the most professional packet-picker uppers on Thursday at the GOS. Legends Jefferey Lemair and RVT orchestrated the most organized horse camp parking and running directions. Jess P and Andie brought the smiles and cheers to the ‘Bermuda Triangle.’ Kelly handed out your bibs and packets and checked you in and then fried up some amazing pancakes. Drew and his family ran the most efficient and professional Aid Station. Jess’s mom came in and helped support the wonderful aid station. Lance’s son and his girlfriend (the yetis) made some great pancakes, including the patent pending ‘Yeti-cakes.’ (think M&M’s meets pancake!) Mary for filling waters and directing/cheering runners on to that lovely 'speed bump.' And Nate Schwab again taking the reigns for our timing system (really, he runs the show, without running the show) and Eva for the timing support. All of you guys are truly the best!
*MATT! Thanks for showing up and doing whatever we asked and leading the pancake charge and force feeding a certain RD a pancake! You are an MVP too!*

Then the people and organizations that have really helped us elevate this event:

Jason Crow crushed the 50k today, but is also the one responsible for that fantastic coffee we had at the Aid Station. He roasted the beans himself! Reach out to him if today’s coffee was life changing! He’s also the one responsible for getting us those official looking banners that directed you at the park entrances and hung at the Start/Finish line. Truly helping us look so much more legit!

Coach Matt Gingrich/Harrisburg Cross Country are the ones who bring those snazzy tents for drop bags and/or wind barriers making us look pretty cool. Coach also cooked up some fabulous bacon for us all day long!

The Sioux Falls Area Running Club has been a huge support for us in lending us their equipment and knowledge. Nate Schwab really has taught us everything we know about organizing a race! He’s also the reason why the results have been uploaded so quickly (before I could get this out there)! His commitment to helping us be successful and to building the running community (Race Director for the SFARC Trail Race Series if you need some ‘warm up’ trail runs before Glacier next year) is unmatched. Again, we wouldn’t be able to do this without his guidance!

The Amazing Char of Black Boot Photography put in 16 (!) miles today running around the course (while lugging her camera) to capture your amazing smiles and grit all day long! She also mothered the Race Directing Crew all weekend long – we need it! She’s got a lot of photos to go through and has another event to cover tomorrow, so give her some time and grace, but she’ll get those photos out there and we’ll let you know when they’re ready for you!

You may have noticed the sad news this week of Runner’s Block closing its doors. Small business is tough business, but we try to do what we can to help. Their conjoined company, Fit My Feet, is still going and supplied us with gift cards for our top overall finishers and age group winners (we’ll be in touch when results are finalized). Please give them a visit to see what they have to offer (some great selection in trail shoes)!

And of course, the park that lets us take up space to throw this grand party! Newton Hills State Park has been great to work with and we’re grateful that they let us come back year after year to share this gem of a place with you!

And finally, last but certainly not least, we want to thank you, the runners! The reason this race keeps going is because you keep showing up and tearing it up! So much grit and passion. So many smiles! And so much love out on that course. We really hope you made a friend or one hundred and fifty today, because that’s what this is truly all about – a celebration of this fantastic community.

Thank you for coming out to our party, we hope to see you again next year!

-The Race Crew
(John, Jess, Nate, Lance, Kevin, and special guest appearance by California Mike)

Enjoy the short version of a grand video that is to come!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

10/30/2025

Alright, let's give a big welcome to our last-minute sign-ups!

Noah K. from Elkton is in for the 20k and his first Glacier Hills Experience!

Logan W from Sioux Falls in in for the 50k and his first Glacier Hills Experience!

Hafils A from Gretna NE is back for the 20k!

Adam K from Elkton is in for the 30k and his first Glacier Hills experience!

Isaac T from Alexandria is in for the 20k and his first Glacier Hills Experience!

And now for the real thrill seekers sliding in up to the last minute yesterday!

Braden C from Huron is in for the 50k for his first Glacier Hills Experience!

The reigning 50k champ, Jusin L from Sioux Falls is back to defend his 50k title!

Justin S from Sioux Falls is back for the 50k!

Scott L from Renner is back for the 30k!

Evan L from Dell Rapids is back for the 30k!

Ryan O from Sioux Falls is back for the 20k!

And last but not least, giving us a nice round number of 154 entrants this year... Ryker P from Mitchel is in for the 20k and his first Glacier Hills Experience!!

154 total runners
43 in the 50k
31 in the 30k
81 in the 20k

It's going to be a Pa-arty!

10/30/2025

Hi Runners!

It’s us again! Once again asking you to check your emails one more time and read thoroughly!

We've been bombarding your inboxes this race week like a telemarketer with a quota to fill... but we promise that this, our third email, is the last one prior to race day!
It shouldn’t be new information for the majority of you if you thoroughly read your previous emails or our posts this week. (Literally a copy and paste of the previous 2 emails). But we did have a few people sliding into the party near the last minute (14 signups the last 2 days, what took them so long!? Well get to welcoming them later!), so this is brand new information for most of them, and a good reminder for the rest of you.

Again, if you have any questions, please reach out to us by tonight, before we go dark (no cell service) staging the event tomorrow. We'll most likely be playing adult tetris the rest of the day today as we try to somehow fit all the race supplies in our vehicles...

Otherwise, happy reading and we’ll see you soon at packet pick up and race day!

When/where is packet pickup?
3 options.
1. Thursday 10/30 from 5:30pm-8:00pm at the Great Outdoor Store located at 201 E 10th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
2. Friday 10/31 from 5pm-8pm at the Boy Scout Lodge near Newton Hills State Park. The address is 28629 482nd Ave, Canton, SD 57013
3. Saturday 11/1 before your race beginning at 5am (NO SOONER!)

Can someone else pick up my packet for me?
Yes.

10/29/2025

If you read our previous post on FAQ's or your email (sent out 0 dark 30 last night 🥴), we included a note about fundraising for ALS.

If you have non-running people coming that want to eat our pancakes, we're asking that they (or you on their behalf) make a donation to our ALS fundraising campaign for a few reasons.
1. Food amount is mostly planned on number of runners and you're the ones paying for it.
2. Some of our race directors have raving reviews for their culinary arts and we're confident that our race day sous-chef volunteers will match that level of delivering fine cuisine worth the 💰.
3. It's for a good cause to help raise awareness and it's our way of coming alongside a fellow runner from our community, Aaron, who is bravely battling this disease. RD Lance started this campaign 2 months ago when he ran the 24 hour race at The Blood Run to raise funds, and we are continuing his campaign efforts through our race.
You can read more on the back story and donate for your non-runners pancakes here (we will have a cash jar at the aid station for donations as well as there is no cell service at the race): https://secure2.convio.net/alsa/site/TR/Walks/Minnesota?px=9289319&pg=personal&fr_id=16849&fbclid=IwY2xjawND9J5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE0WHBQSlpXd2xpWVBCTHVTAR74l7p3QRr24bQHYDLOlwjbwJXG-IDz6zzjH_EFMnMg6AR3HRvobB6y5DnU1Q_aem_7ctsdHaw88cSrjF3FWm6Iw

10/29/2025

FAQ's - you might have them, we've got answers!

Race Day is quickly approaching and we're so excited to party with you!

Below you'll find the answers to some frequently asked questions to help prepare you for Saturday and the events leading up to your race (at least logistically- we're certain you have the strength, stamina, and mentality down)!

Can I still register?
Registration closes at 11:59pm on Wednesday 10/29. No Registration will take place after this time.

Can I drop down in distance?
You may change up distance up until 11:59pm on Wednesday 10/29. Reach out to us via email or social media before 11:59pm on Wednesday 10/29 to make this happen. (But we believe in you! You can make the distance you originally signed up for!)

Can I drop down in distance during the race?
No. There will be no switching up your race distance on race day or during the race. Trying to do so will give you a DNF result.

Do I need a headlamp (or some sort of lighting device)?
If you do not possess night vision, then yes.
50k- YES
30k- YES
20k - optional (recommended for pre race)

Can non-running crew/spectators/cheer squad/friends/foes/family partake in consuming pancakes and bacon?
Yes- FOR A FREE-WILL DONATION!
All food is free for runners (that's part of your race fee). Non runners will be able to eat pancakes and bacon and hve some coffee and hot chocolate if they make a free will donation to the ALS fund. We will have a cash jar for this at the aid station, otherwise, visit this link to make a donation (screen shot to show at the aid station) and learn more about the cause and our 'why' for this cause. (PLEASE NOTE: there is no cell service at the race, so if you want to donate for pancakes, please do so beforehand!)
https://secure2.convio.net/alsa/site/TR/Walks/Minnesota?px=9289319&pg=personal&fr_id=16849&fbclid=IwY2xjawND9J5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE0WHBQSlpXd2xpWVBCTHVTAR74l7p3QRr24bQHYDLOlwjbwJXG-IDz6zzjH_EFMnMg6AR3HRvobB6y5DnU1Q_aem_7ctsdHaw88cSrjF3FWm6Iw

Do I need a state park pass?
Yes!!! You will be ticketed if you dont have one! Get one ahead of time online:
Or use the kiosk if you enter at the main entrance (not available at the horse camp)

Where do I park?
50k- suggestion is to use the horse camp
30k and 20k, horse camp or in the tiny parking lot and along the road by race headquarters.
Horse camp coordinates: 43.234903052625945, -96.57297453397318
Race Headquarters coordinates: 43.22720866566845, -96.57605004206711

When/where is packet pickup?
3 options.
1. Thursday 10/30 from 5:30pm-8:00pm at the Great Outdoor Store located at 201 E 10th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
2. Friday 10/31 from 5pm-8pm at the Boy Scout Lodge near Newton Hills State Park. The address is 28629 482nd Ave, Canton, SD 57013
3. Saturday 11/1 before your race beginning at 5am (NO SOONER!)

Can someone else pick up my packet for me?
Yes.

Are there bathrooms?
Yes
1 vault toilet at the race start/finish/aid station
2 double vault (men's and women's) toilets in the horse camp

Are drop bags allowed?
Yes, we will have a designated drop bag area at the start/finish/aid station. You are also welcome to use your parked vehicle in the horse camp parking lot as your own personal aid station.

When does my race start?
Saturday 1/11
50k - 6am
30k - 7am
20k - 8am

What time should I plan to arrive at the start line?
30 minutes before your race starts

Is there cell service at the park?
No.
*Our last chance for any timely communication is Thursday evening as we head to the park early Friday morning to start staging for the party, and therefore won't have cell service (unless we run into town real quick for something, but even then its pretty iffy). That said, if you got questions, ask now or hold your peace!

Is there race tracking?
No, there is no cell service at the park, and therefore no live race tracking.

Alright, if you have any more questions, shoot them our way by Thursday evening, otherwise we look forward to partying with you on Saturday!

-The crew

John, Jess, Nate, Lance, Kevin

For people battling ALS, time is not a luxury to waste. With an average life expectancy of 2-5 years following diagnosis, there is clear urgency to optimize care and find effective treatments for those affected by the disease. That's why we need to do everything we can to help The ALS Association Mi...

10/28/2025

Coming in hot at the 9th hour, Billy V from Doon IA wants to party again for 2 loops! Welcome back!

Be like Billy- sign up before registration closes tomorrow (Wednesday) 10/29 at 11:59pm!