SAVE THE STEPS
CHAPEL CHARGE STAIRCASE RESTORATION
NOTE: One of the staircases, Chapel Charge, has taken a big hit the last couple of winters. We will NOT be using that staircase this year. Mike Sommers (Race Director of our sister staircase, Climb Hot Springs) has agreed to head Challenge Dakota's new SAVE THE STEPS committee to explore options to help the community repair/replace this historic landmark staircase. If you are interested in the committee, contact Mike at redrocksaver@gmail.com.
RACE OVERVIEW
RUN, WALK, STROLL or roll
All three of our STAIR-CLIMBING routes navigate the trails, hills, streets and steps that make downtown Hot Springs such a beautiful place to run, walk or stroll.
Children four and under are welcome to accompany parents or guardians at no charge
(no tee shirts, bibs, medals or SWAG), but be aware that these stairs are steep and strollers are absolutely forbidden, except on the zero-stair flip-flop romp!
We are a walker-friendly event (please see the cautionary note for the Knee High Hilly Half Marathon). Some of our participants stroll the Sock Hop or Crazy Crew, window shopping and enjoying the scenery!
Leashed and well-behaved dogs are welcome, but you must follow the City's rules and regulations.
CHOOSE YOUR ROUTE
SOCK HOP - 2 miles, 269+ steps
This two mile route is a great "starter" stair climb, terrific for kids and also good for those who are recovering from injuries. Many fast runners like it too—we are always surprised when those speedsters cross the finish line like rockets! You will share your route with the Crazy Crew and Knee High Hilly Halfers, making it lots of fun! You will pass two water stations along the way and lots of volunteers will cheer you on.
CRAZY CREW 5K - 5 kilometers (3.1 miles), 5 flights of stairs (657 steps)
This challenging route is our most popular event among men, women and kids. Although only a mile longer than the Sock Hop, those three extra staircases make it much more challenging—in fact more challenging by far than your ordinary 5K. The dogs love it too! Lots of steps and gorgeous views. You can run or take your time. You will pass two water stations. You will share the route with the Sock Hoppers and Hilly Halfers, so you will never be lonely!
KNEE HIGH HILLY HALF - half marathon (13.1 miles) - 6 flights of stairs, 744 steps
This route takes you on a challenging tour of the steeps and steps of Hot Springs and a bit beyond and is not for the faint of heart. There are serious hills to climb as well as a few reasonably flat miles to stretch your legs and take in those astounding Hot Springs vistas. And of course 744 steps to climb on five town core staircases and the one private staircase in what we like to call the "outer limits". This route is mostly on paved walkways, streets and highways but also includes a bit of meadow, one very rugged staircase (which you will also have to descend) and a few gravel roads. Walkers are permitted, but walking is not recommended. (A very fast walker can probably complete it in a reasonable time, but we do mean 'very'.) You will be supported in the town center with the same water stations as the shorter routes, and in the outer limits there will be roving support cars with water, encouragement and a bail-out ride if you need it. (But you won't need it 'cause you are training, right?)