I ran Crazy Horse for the first time this year, although I ran Lean Horse Ultra, which is also on the Mickelson trail. Crazy Horse is a cool race, you start at the Crazy Horse monument visitor center (inside!) and then run towards the monument. If there weren't super low clouds, the view wouldn't been very cool, you run basically right by the base of the mountain. Most of the race is on the Mickelson trail, which is crushed rock, and since it's a rail-trail, elevation gain loss is gradual. If you need crowds, you may want to look elsewhere, this is a nice smaller race. MM#1058

Lean Horse is more geared towards folks doing the 100, but you still have a blast doing the 50k or 50m. This was the first time I ran on the newer course that starts/ends in Custer. It is so much nicer, as you are on the Mickelson trail the whole time, a rail-trail. It's a nice run through the Black Hills. Aid Stations and volunteers were fantastic and the RD is great. I'll be going back next year and hopefully will be recovered enough from my injury to do the 50 miler. MM#1058