On April 24, 2027, the River Rat Run takes place in Yankton, South Dakota, with events starting at 8:00 AM from Gavin's Point Road Picnic Shelter and Gavin's Point Beach Parking Area. The race offers three distance options: a 1-mile run, a 6.2-mile run, and a half marathon. Entry fees range from $25 to $75 depending on the distance selected. This race provides options for runners of various fitness levels, from those seeking a shorter effort to those training for longer endurance efforts. If you're traveling to compete, plan to arrive early for parking and check-in at the designated venue near Gavin's Point.
From the Race 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🏅
Course & Travel Notes
The River Rat Run takes place at 1211 ft elevation in Yankton, South Dakota. The 8:00 AM start time is 1 hour 26 minutes after the 6:34 AM sunrise on race day. April typically sees average highs of 60°F and average lows of 35°F, with precipitation occurring on 29% of days. Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) is located 59.4 miles from the venue.
⛰️ 1,211 ft elevation☀️ Typically 60°F / 35°F · 29% chance of rain✈️ Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) — 59.4 mi
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Yankton, SD. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
RaceHotelFinder earns a small commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Results are sorted by distance from the race venue.
Race weekend dates pre-loaded on Booking.com. RaceHotelFinder may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for April 24.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Yankton, SD.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
River Rat Run 2027 — Yankton, SD takes place on April 24, 2027. The race is held in Yankton, South Dakota.
Where is River Rat Run 2027 — Yankton, SD held?
River Rat Run 2027 — Yankton, SD is held at Gavin's Point Road Picnic Shelter/Gavin's Point Beach Parking Area in Yankton, South Dakota.
Where can I find hotels near River Rat Run 2027 — Yankton, SD?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Yankton. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
