RAPID CITY - Sunday's half marathon in the Black Hills will have a special competitor.

David Mickelson, the son of former governor George S. Mickelson, will compete in the Deadwood-Mickelson Trail half marathon Sunday.

It is not his first marathon - he competed in the Twin Cities Marathon in 2001 - but it will be the first time David Mickelson will compete in the half marathon on the trail named after his late father. He is in the event to help promote the trail and the activities hosted on the trail.

"I'm looking forward to it," said Mickelson, who is the vice president of deposit services for First Premier Bank.

The trail itself was a project spearheaded by his father. The first segment of the trail was opened in 1991, and the entire route was completed in 1998 - five years after George S. Mickelson's death. It is the first rails to trails project in South Dakota. The trail's route is mountainous, forested and scenic, traversing the heart of the Black Hills and largely within the boundaries of the Black Hills National Forest.

The event has an added significance because of his father, but he will run because of his personal fitness goals. Mickelson will travel to the half marathon with a group of about 18 people after six months of training. His wife is also an avid runner.

"It has been a challenge just running the extra miles," he said "It is not easy finding an hour and a half during the day."

There was a little hesitation on his part to run in the event. He said he was concerned because many people know him and might not be able to finish, but he said training has helped him prepare for the run.

"Dad used to joke that an eighth of a ton is not meant to run," Mickelson said about his 250-pound frame.

Running the marathon is not only for the exercise. Mickelson said that the event will give him some quiet time, and a little time to reflect on his father.

"It's something that is very special," he said, also pleased that South Dakota's premier running event has ties to his family.

"It is a fitting place to have it (the marathon)," Mickelson said. "My family takes a lot of pride in it."

His involvement with the trail does not stop with the half marathon. He has been a part of the Mickelson Trail Trek bike ride in September each year, and he looks to continue this year.

"Someone in my family has done it every year," Mickelson said. "I had a great chance to meet the people that do a great job of maintaining the trail. They really take a lot of pride in it and I really appreciate it."

The trail is maintained by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission.

Mickelson's family, which includes a 5-year-old son and a 3-year-old daughter, will also be in the Black Hills this weekend.

"It's fun to go with the family. It's those things that I will remember."

The beauty of the trail is another facet that draws Mickelson to the event. He said that he has been on all 109 miles of the trail previously and he enjoys several parts. He especially likes the southern, mostly open part of the trail; the more rugged part of the trail near Moonshine Gulch; and the downhill part from Dumont to Deadwood.

"It is a gorgeous trail and it goes through some incredible scenery," he said. "It is a great resource for the Hills and all of South Dakota."

Both the marathon and the half marathon get under way at 8 a.m.