The Jewel Cave National Monument in South Dakota is set to launch its first-ever trail running event — the 'Fly Through the Canyons' 5K — on Saturday, September 13, 2025, South Dakota. The race, with staggered start times from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., will be followed by a Health and Wellness Resource Fair running all day, offering local health providers, fitness coaches, and nutritionists a chance to connect with visitors. This isn’t just a run — it’s a quiet revolution in how the National Park Service is inviting people to experience protected landscapes: not just as observers, but as participants.
A New Kind of Park Experience
For decades, Jewel Cave National Monument has drawn crowds with its underground labyrinths — over 200 miles of mapped passageways, the third-longest cave system in the world. But now, the focus is shifting above ground. The 'Fly Through the Canyons' 5K will wind through rolling prairie, limestone ridges, and open meadows just outside the cave entrance. No underground running here — this is about breathing fresh air, feeling the wind, and seeing the monument’s surface beauty. The National Park Service says the event is part of a broader push to make national parks feel less like museums and more like living, active spaces.
What’s surprising? No corporate sponsors. No branded water bottles. No elite runners invited. Just a community event open to all — families, retirees, veterans, first-timers. Active-duty military personnel get free registration, a small but meaningful nod to service. And while attendance numbers aren’t public, park officials say they’re expecting “several hundred” participants based on early sign-ups.
The Wellness Fair: More Than Just a Finish Line
After crossing the finish line, runners don’t just grab a medal. They’re invited to wander through the Health and Wellness Resource Fair, where local clinics offer free blood pressure checks, yoga instructors lead 15-minute sessions on the grass, and dietitians hand out sample meals made with regional ingredients. One booth will even let visitors test their balance on a wobble board — a subtle reminder that staying active isn’t just about speed. It’s about longevity.
"We’re not trying to turn this into a race festival," said a National Park Service spokesperson in a written statement. "We want people to leave feeling stronger, calmer, and more connected — not just to the land, but to themselves."
A Cave-to-Cave Comparison: South Dakota vs. Alabama
While Jewel Cave National Monument is making history in the Black Hills, another cave system is doing something similar — just a week later. On Sunday, September 21, 2025, Cathedral Caverns State Park in Woodville, Alabama, will host the 'Conquer the Cave' 5K. Unlike Jewel Cave, this one actually runs through the cave — 1.2 miles of limestone tunnels with a constant 58°F temperature. Participants pay $64.60, get a T-shirt, and must arrive an hour before their assigned wave start. It’s a well-oiled machine: 200 runners per wave, every 30 minutes, timed bibs, professional timing chips.
But here’s the difference: Jewel Cave’s event is free, un-timed, and designed for inclusion. No finish-line clocks. No elite divisions. No merch haul. Just a trail, a path, and a chance to move your body where few have run before.
Why This Matters
For years, national parks have struggled with the perception that they’re only for hikers, photographers, or history buffs. But younger generations — especially Gen Z and millennials — want experiences that blend fitness, nature, and mindfulness. The 'Fly Through the Canyons' 5K isn’t just a one-off. It’s a pilot. If it draws crowds, expect similar events at Carlsbad Caverns, Mammoth Cave, and beyond.
The National Park Service has quietly been rethinking visitor engagement since 2022. Budgets are tight. Attendance at some parks has flatlined. But events like this? They drive social media buzz. They bring in repeat visitors. And they turn a single-day outing into a lifelong connection to public lands.
What’s Next?
Officials won’t say it outright, but whispers suggest a 10K is in the works for 2026. Maybe a sunrise yoga session inside the cave entrance. Perhaps a winter lantern-lit trail walk. The goal? To make Jewel Cave National Monument not just a destination — but a lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 'Fly Through the Canyons' 5K timed, and do I need to register?
No, the event is untimed and free to join — no registration required. Participants can show up anytime between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on September 13, 2025, and start at their own pace. Active-duty military receive free entry without pre-registration, but everyone else is welcome to just show up. This is intentionally low-barrier to encourage families, seniors, and newcomers to outdoor fitness.
What should I wear, and is the trail difficult?
The trail is a mix of packed dirt, grassy slopes, and rocky sections — not technical, but not paved either. Trail runners or sturdy sneakers are recommended. Weather in mid-September in South Dakota can swing from 50°F to 75°F, so layering is smart. The course is mostly flat with one moderate incline near the ridge. It’s suitable for walkers, strollers, and dogs on leash — no bikes allowed.
How does this compare to the Alabama cave 5K?
The Alabama event at Cathedral Caverns runs through a lit cave system with timed waves, paid entry, and professional timing — more like a traditional race. Jewel Cave’s version is outdoors, free, un-timed, and focused on accessibility. One is a competitive event; the other is a community celebration. Both highlight caves, but in very different ways: one inside, one outside — one for elites, one for everyone.
Will there be water and restrooms along the course?
Yes, two water stations will be placed along the 5K loop, and portable restrooms are stationed at the start/finish area. The National Park Service emphasizes sustainability — no plastic bottles will be handed out. Participants are encouraged to bring reusable containers. Volunteers will be on hand to assist anyone needing hydration or first aid.
Can I bring my dog or child in a stroller?
Absolutely. Dogs on leashes (under 6 feet) are welcome, and strollers are encouraged — the trail is wide enough in most sections. Kids under 12 don’t need to be registered, and there’s a designated family-friendly route that loops back early for younger participants. The Health and Wellness Resource Fair even has a kids’ zone with nature-themed crafts and face painting.
What if it rains or there’s bad weather?
The event will go on rain or shine — unless there’s lightning or dangerous wind. The trail is designed to handle moderate rain, and the fair will move under tents. Updates will be posted on the Jewel Cave National Monument website and social media by 7:00 a.m. on race day. No refunds or rescheduling are planned — this is a community event, not a commercial race.