How A South Dakota Runner Honors Heroes With 450-Mile Journey

For the past several years, a South Dakota woman has set aside Memorial Day as a time to literally pound the pavement while carrying an American flag, to honor our fallen heroes with a 22-mile run from Spearfish to Sturgis.

But in 2026, Mai Richards has decided to do something much bigger.

Starting May 1st, Richards will embark on a 25-day journey that will take her 450 miles across the Mount Rushmore State - from Sioux Falls to Sturgis.

The expanded Miles of Honor run begins at the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance and ends 25 days later at the Harley-Davidson Rally Point Plaza.

The two things that haven't changed are her motivation for the run - a tribute to heroes submitted by the veterans community and Gold Star families, who share the names, photos, and stories of their loved ones - and the American flag, which she will carry every step of the way.

Richards grew up in Spearfish after being adopted from Vietnam at the age of four with her twin sister. She says growing up in a diverse and international family shaped how she sees the world, giving her a deep understanding of the life she'd been given here in the United States.

She considers the annual run to be the best way to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country by leading and living a life worthy of that sacrifice.

While she is the face of the event, she can't pull off an undertaking of this magnitude without a lot of help. She is currently looking for several support staff members as well as assistance from state and local agencies:

• Road Crew: Escort vehicles to ensure safe passage along highways and transitions
into towns.

• Medical Support: Basic first aid, on-call EMT or nurse, and coordination with
local medical services.

• Hydration/Nutrition Crew: Mobile hydration support and nutrition replenishment.

• Volunteers: Local community members to assist at transitions, host runners
overnight, or help with daily logistics.

• South Dakota Department of Transportation (DOT): Guidance on approved
routes, safety along highways, and traffic considerations.

• Law Enforcement: Local police and county sheriffs to assist with road safety and
escort when necessary.

• South Dakota Tourism: Promotional support to highlight the run as a unique event
of statewide significance.

• American Legion & VFW Posts: Hosting, local support, and ceremonial
participation along the route.

• Safety & Insurance: Event liability insurance will be secured to cover the run and
related activities.

• All support vehicles will maintain valid insurance and compliance with state regulations.

• Medical coverage and emergency response protocols will be established in
advance of the run.

• DOT and law enforcement coordination will further ensure safety throughout the
route.

If you want to support the run financially, there are There are four sponsorship tiers to consider:

RED SPONSOR – $7,500
• Primary recognition as Title Sponsor for the Miles of Honor Run
• Logo featured on all event banners, apparel, and marketing materials
• Recognition in all press releases and radio interviews
• Featured mentions on social media and in video updates throughout the run
• Prominent logo display on support vehicles
• Invitation to the Sioux Falls kickoff and Sturgis closing ceremonies
• Recognition on post-event thank-you materials sent statewide
• Named as a Community Partner Champion for helping fund American
Legion post donations

WHITE SPONSOR – $2,500
• Recognition as a Major Sponsor of the run
• Logo featured on select marketing materials and social media posts
• Acknowledgment in media and press coverage
• Logo display on support crew signage or equipment
• Invitation to the opening and closing ceremonies
• Recognition in post-event thank-you communication
• Acknowledged as a supporter of American Legion post community donations

BLUE SPONSOR – $1,000
• Recognition as a Support Crew Sponsor
• Social media acknowledgment throughout the run
• Logo display on select signage or vehicle materials
• Recognition in post-event thank-you communication

PATRIOT PARTNER – $250
• Recognition as a Community Partner of the Miles of Honor Run
• Social media thank-you post
• Listing in the official sponsorship section of the packet
• Optional plaque of appreciation after the event

PURCHASE A SPONSORSHIP

Even if you can't swing for a sponsorship, you can help support the run with a GoFundMe donation.

DONATE HERE

The 2026 run might not just be remembered for its duration; it has a chance to grab a place in history.

Richards has submitted an official application to Guinness World Records to commerate the first person to carry the American flag across the state of South Dakota on foot.

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