River Rat Run
- Date Sat 25th April 2026
- Time 8:00AM CDT
- Location Yankton, South Dakota
- Price $27.50 - $54.00
- Races 3 races
- Distances Half Marathon, 10km, 5km
Event summary
Join us for the exhilarating River Rat Run on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in the beautiful city of Yankton! This annual event, which began in 2009 to honor the memory of SFC Rich Schild, offers participants a chance to run for a cause as all proceeds benefit local nonprofit organizations. Runners can choose from three exciting distances: a 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon, each set against the stunning backdrop of the Lewis and Clark Lake Recreation Area.
Experience the thrill of chip-timed races winding through newly paved trails that meander through wooded landscapes and along the picturesque shores of Lewis and Clark Lake and Lake Yankton. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, spot abundant wildlife, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of majestic bald eagles during this scenic adventure! With prizes for overall winners and age division finishers, as well as guaranteed race T-shirts for early registrants, the River Rat Run is a fantastic opportunity to challenge yourself while celebrating community spirit. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable event—mark your calendars!
Experience the thrill of chip-timed races winding through newly paved trails that meander through wooded landscapes and along the picturesque shores of Lewis and Clark Lake and Lake Yankton. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, spot abundant wildlife, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of majestic bald eagles during this scenic adventure! With prizes for overall winners and age division finishers, as well as guaranteed race T-shirts for early registrants, the River Rat Run is a fantastic opportunity to challenge yourself while celebrating community spirit. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable event—mark your calendars!
Organiser's Description
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 youre chasing a personal best or simply taking in the natural beauty, its one of the most striking courses youll 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: 119, 2029, 3039, 4049, 5059, 6069, and 7099. Only half-marathon participants receive finisher medals. Race T-shirts are guaranteed only for runners who register by midnight on the Sunday before race day. All races conclude by 11:00 a.m.
Packet pick-up is available the day before the event at Ace Bike & Fitness, 2404 Broadway, Yankton, SD, from 4:30 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.
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 youre chasing a personal best or simply taking in the natural beauty, its one of the most striking courses youll 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: 119, 2029, 3039, 4049, 5059, 6069, and 7099. Only half-marathon participants receive finisher medals. Race T-shirts are guaranteed only for runners who register by midnight on the Sunday before race day. All races conclude by 11:00 a.m.
Packet pick-up is available the day before the event at Ace Bike & Fitness, 2404 Broadway, Yankton, SD, from 4:30 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.
Races
-
Half Marathon
Incl. $4.00 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 25th April 2026 (8:00AM CDT)
$54.00
STARTING AT THE LEWIS AND CLARK GAVINS POINT PICNIC SHELTER, RUNNING ON PAVED TRAILS THROUGH WOODED AREAS OF LEWIS AND CLARK CAMPGROUND, THEN ALONG LEWIS AND CLARK LAKE AND EAST AROUND LAKE YANKTON, ENDING BACK AT GAVINS POINT! IT IS A FABULOUS 1/2 MARATHON COURSE! Spectactular views of the area and wildlife from the trails. The lake area is a winter haven for Bald Eagles. This is a CHIP TIMED race with video and manual iPad entry backup. Prizes awarded to the OVERALL male and female AND prizes awarded to the first and second place male and female in the following age divisions: (1-19, 21-29, 31-39, 41-49, 51-59, 60-69, and 70-99). You must be present to receive awards if you place. No awards or T-shirts will be mailed out. Finishing medals for all 1/2 marathon runners. Shirts for runners only. ***IMPORTANT- Your bib must be visible during the entire race, start to finish or you may be disqualified. Runners must pass over the start and finish line. -
10k Run
Incl. $3.10 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 25th April 2026 (8:25AM CDT)
$38.10
YOU WILL START AT THE GAVINS POINT PICNIC SHELTER AND TRAVEL THROUGH THE ENTIRE LEWIS AND CLARK CAMPGROUND. THE ROUTE WILL TAKE YOU ON PAVED TRAILS THROUGH THE WOODS, WITH THE LAST 5K ALL ALONG THE SCENIC LEWIS AND CLARK LAKE, FINISHING BACK AT GAVINS POINT. Spectactular views of the area and wildlife from the trails. The lake area is a winter haven for Bald Eagles. This is a CHIP TIMED race with video and manual iPad entry backup. Prizes awarded to the OVERALL male and female AND prizes awarded to the first and second place male and female in the following age divisions: (1-19, 21-29, 31-39, 41-49, 51-59, 60-69, and 70-99). You must be present to receive awards if you place. No awards or T-shirts will be mailed out. Shirts for runners only. ***IMPORTANT- Your bib must be visible during the entire race, start to finish or you may be disqualified. Runners must pass over the start and finish line. No finishing medals for the 10K. -
5k Run/Walk
Incl. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 25th April 2026 (8:15AM CDT)
$27.50
STARTING AT THE LEWIS AND CLARK GAVINS POINT PICNIC SHELTER, LOOPING THROUGH THE LEWIS AND CLARK CAMPGROUND ON PAVED TRAILS THROUGH SOME WOODED AREAS AND BACK TO GAVINS POINT ALONG THE SCENIC LEWIS AND CLARK LAKE! BEAUTIFUL RUN! Spectactular views of the area and wildlife from the trails. The lake area is a winter haven for Bald Eagles. This is a CHIP TIMED race with video and manual iPad entry backup. Prizes awarded to the OVERALL male and female AND prizes awarded to the first and second place male and female in the following age divisions: (1-19, 21-29, 31-39, 41-49, 51-59, 60-69, and 70-99). You must be present to receive awards if you place. No awards or T-shirts will be mailed out. Shirts for runners only. ***IMPORTANT- Your bib must be visible during the entire race, start to finish or you may be disqualified. Runners must pass over the start and finish line. NO finishing medals for running the 5K.
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Gavin's Point Road Picnic Shelter/Gavin's Point Beach Parking Area, Yankton, 57078, SD, United States
River Rat Run
