The Painted Hills Half Marathon is a race you should run at least once in your life. Along with the half, there is a 10k and a 5k, all of which offer great views of the Painted Hills. It’s a very small race, very supportive and the kind where you end up making new friends along the route.
Check out out 2019 recap of this event!
This event, ran in conjunction with (and as a benefit for) the annual Painted Hills Festival kicks off at the Spoke’n Hostel, a beautiful 5-star, donation based hospital in downtown Mitchell. If you couple the entry fee ($28) with the price of a bunk at the hostel (most less than $30), you will still pay less than most half marathons out there. And your stay even comes with breakfast in the morning, showers, and WIFI. This ain’t your average hostel.
Read our review of the Spoke’n Hostel
The race itself is point-to-point (you will be bussed to the starting point) and will wind your way through rustic and picturesque countryside (is there any other kind near here?). There will be some water and support stations along the course, so even if the roads are remote, you will never be too far away from some aid and encouragement. The finish will be back in downtown Mitchell.
Afterwards, make sure you stick around for the grand parade, live music, and family fun at the Painted Hills Festival. I personally recommend checking out Tiger Town Brewery – one of my most memorable stops EVER of my 600+ different breweries.
Yes, this race is a trek, but some of the best memories come from experiencing new places to run. Don’t let the drive scare you – come join me at this event!
2022 Painted Hills Half Marathon (Mitchell)
When: 7a bus / 730a start time on Saturday, September 3, 2022
Where: Spoke’n Hostel
Register: Online here;
- All races = $28 ($42 with shirt)
