River Rat Run
- Date
- April 24, 2027
- Distance
- Half Marathon · 10k Run · 5k run/walk
From the Organizer
2026 River Rat Race Results! Click Here!
The River Rat Run started in 2009 to honor SFC Rich Schild, who gave his life on December 4, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Rich was devoted to his family, friends, and community, and this event carries on his legacy by donating all race proceeds to local nonprofit organizations.
Participants can choose from a 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon, each on a scenic, chip-timed course with video and manual iPad backup through the Lewis and Clark Lake Recreation Area. The route follows newly paved trails that wind through wooded landscapes along the shores of Lewis and Clark Lake and Lake Yankton, with two brief grass connectors between trail sections. Runners enjoy panoramic lake views, abundant wildlife, and, in winter, the chance to spot majestic bald eagles. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply taking in the natural beauty, it’s one of the most striking courses you’ll ever run. Learn more at www.riverratrun.com.
Prizes are awarded to the overall male and female winners as well as to the first- and second-place finishers in each male and female age division: 1–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, and 70–99. Only half-marathon participants receive finisher medals. Race T-shirts are guaranteed only for runners who register by midnight on Sunday, April 18, 2027. All races conclude by 11:00 a.m. Please consider Race insurance! River Rat Run does not offer refunds.
Packet pick-up is available the day before the event at Ace Bike & Fitness, 2404 Broadway, Yankton, SD, from 5:00 pm to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, where new registrations will also be accepted. On race day, check-in takes place at the picnic shelter in the Gavins Point Area, starting one hour before each race and closing 15 minutes before the start. No new race-day registrations will be accepted.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
63°
Typical Low
39°
Chance of Rain
33%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Yankton 2 E, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Yankton, SD
Population
15,501
as of 2023
Elevation
1,225 ft
Nearest Airport
FSD
Sioux Falls Regional Airport · 59 mi
Major Hub
OMA
Eppley Airfield · 134 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at River Rat Run, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
320
Days to train
- Race
- River Rat Run
- Date
- April 24, 2027
Coming Up
More Running races near Yankton, SD
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5K
15 miles away
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5K
48 miles away
Canton Depot Days 5k
5K
50 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the River Rat Run?
- River Rat Run is a running race held in Yankton, South Dakota on April 24, 2027. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the River Rat Run?
- Saturday, April 24, 2027 in Yankton, South Dakota at Gavin's Point Road Picnic Shelter/Gavin's Point Beach Parking Area, Yankton, SD. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the River Rat Run?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
River Rat Run
Apr 24, 2027