River Rat Run
About this race
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 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.
Join fellow runners on April 26, 2025 for the River Rat Run. It's a fantastic 5K, Half-Marathon, 10K featuring a flat and fast course in Yankton.
Pick your distance
Running
River Rat Run 5k
$20 Early Bird Registration by June 1st guarantees an official race shirt $25 Registration after June 1st The 5K race starts at City Hall heads North to the track at Missisinewa High School and then finishes back at City Hall. Sign-in and registration begin at 7:00 am at Hutchins Commons (Pavillion just West of City Hall) with the race starting at 8:00 am. Awards will follow shortly after the last person finishes the race. Awards will be given to the overall top male and female runners, and the top three male and female runners in each age group. Age Groups: 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+ Proceeds from this race go to support, Main Street Gas City, which strives toward strengthening vitality in our downtown district, celebrating Gas City's historic character while bringing our community together to enjoy all aspects that Gas City's downtown has to offer.
Half Marathon
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. CHIP TIMED. 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: (1-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-99). 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
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. CHIP TIMED. 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: (1-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-99). 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
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. CHIP TIMED. 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: (1-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-99). 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.
About Yankton
River Rat Run takes place in Yankton, South Dakota, United States. The local timezone is America/Chicago.
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Race information has been sourced from the event's official website and other publicly available resources. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website directly. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, don't hesitate to reach out to us by email.