River Rat Run
River Rat Run is a running race on April 24, 2027 in Yankton, SD, with entry fees from $25 to $55.
- Date
- April 24, 2027 (185 days to go)
- Price
- $25–$55
- Sport
- Running
From the Organizer
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. on race day. 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 at 7am and closing 15 minutes before your race. No new race-day registrations will be accepted.
Distance Comparison Table:
5K
A quick loop through the campground woods and back along Lewis and Clark Lake to the finish line.
❌ No finishing medal
10K
Traverses the entire campground, spending the final 5K running directly alongside L&C Lake.
❌ No finishing medal
Half Marathon
Explores the campground, tracks L&C Lake east, expands to loop all the way around Lake Yankton, and then traces the scenic shoreline of L&C Lake back to the finish line at Gavins Point..
🏅Finishing medal to all 1/2 marathon participants🏅
Events
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.
About Yankton, SD
Population
15,501
as of 2023
City 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
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.
185
Days to train
- Race
- River Rat Run
- Date
- April 24, 2027
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About This Sport
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Frequently Asked Questions
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River Rat Run
Apr 24, 2027