Steps for Shep 2026 — Aberdeen, SD

Hello Wolves XC/TF Fans! We will be hosting the 20th Annual Steps for Shep 5k Road Race/1 Miler in honor of former Northern State track and cross-country student-athlete, Jason Shephard on Homecoming Weekend. There is a one-mile route for those who would like a shorter race distance. Participants are able to walk, jog, or run either route. For those that are out of town but would like to participate and support, we also have a virtual option! When: Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 8:00am Where: Northern State University Barnett Center- 1200 S Jay Street Aberdeen, SD 57401 Registration: $25.00 fee (includes t-shirt). Free to NSU students with valid ID. Please sign up prior to race day. Sign up by September 18 to secure your T-Shirt. We will not be able to guarantee shirts after that day. All runners will be assigned a bib. Student Registration: Follow the link to register! Free to NSU students with a valid ID. If you would like a T-shirt (Cost is $20.00). Sign up by September 18 to secure your T-Shirt. All proceeds will go towards the Jason Shephard Memorial Scholarship Fund to benefit an NSU track and cross country student-athlete majoring in Human Performance or Physical Education. Jason Kyle Shephard was born May 30, 1983, in Cavalier, N.D. to Kyle and Carol (Herman) Shephard. He grew up and attended school in Cavalier, graduation from Cavalier High School in 2002. While at CHS, he was active in FBLA and was a member of the track and cross-country teams. Jason was named the East Region Senior Athlete of the Year in cross country. He then attended Northern State University in Aberdeen, and was serving an internship with Daktronics at the time of his death. During his college days, he was active in many campus organizations, including Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Young Republicans Club. He was honored as the most improved cross-country runner his sophomore season at NSU and was also a member of the track and field team.