In 197 days · Sat, Apr 24, 2027
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Saturday, April 24th, 2027
Gavin's Point Road Picnic Shelter/Gavin's Point Beach Parking Area, Yankton SD
Half · 10K · 5K
41–61°F · some rain risk
See last 10 years
On this date: rain 2 of the last 10 years
2026
38–60°F
dry
2025
45–53°F
rain
2024
40–64°F
dry
2023
31–58°F
dry
2022
40–49°F
dry
2021
34–51°F
dry
2020
46–65°F
dry
2019
46–75°F
dry
2018
45–52°F
rain
2017
53–68°F
dry
Best months to race in South Dakota →
Race-day forecast says layers
41°F at the start.
Gloves, ear warmers, throwaway layers, hand warmers — delivered before race day.
About this race
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🏅
Course map
Train with a club
Run clubs near Yankton to train with before race day.
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