

River Rat Run
The River Rat Run honors a fallen soldier with scenic lakefront trails and proceeds benefiting local nonprofits.
Race Date
Apr 24, 2027
Location
Yankton, SD
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, April 24, 2027
- Location
- Yankton, South Dakota
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Mixed
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 1,573
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The River Rat Run, established in 2009 to honor SFC Rich Schild, winds through the picturesque Lewis and Clark Lake Recreation Area in Yankton, South Dakota. Runners navigate chip-timed courses along newly paved trails that hug the shores of Lewis and Clark Lake and Lake Yankton, offering panoramic water views and opportunities to observe local wildlife, including bald eagles in winter.
The event features a half marathon, 10K, and 5K, with the half marathon offering finisher medals. The course is noted for its scenic beauty, with wooded landscapes and occasional grass connectors. With a median field size of around 100 finishers and growing, the race draws participants from about 11 states, with a repeat-runner loyalty of approximately 16%. All proceeds from the event are donated to local nonprofit organizations, continuing SFC Schild's legacy of community devotion.
Race-provided description
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 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 one hour before each race and closing 15 minutes before the start. No new race-day registrations will be accepted.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, April 24, 2027
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
Gavin's Point Road Picnic Shelter/Gavin's Point Beach Parking Area, Yankton, SD, 57078
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
mixed
Scenery
Lake River, Forest
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Standout7414 years running
~100 finishers a year
growing or steady
16% returning runners
6 timing sources · 8 photos
runners from 11 states
winner 1:17:15
typical high 63°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
43°
Afternoon (High)
64°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
17 mph
Wind
62%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 1,573 finishers actually crossed the line across 14 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
1,573
Median time
2:03:00
Latest turnout
155
States
28
Turnout by year
2016–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the River Rat Run?
The River Rat Run is held on Saturday, April 24, 2027, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the River Rat Run take place?
It takes place in Yankton, South Dakota.
What distances does the River Rat Run offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles.
Is the River Rat Run course flat and good for a PR?
The River Rat Run is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the River Rat Run?
HalfRuns has finish records for 1,573 runners who have completed the River Rat Run.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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