Register soon: Sioux Falls Skedaddle is bringing lots of new additions for its fifth anniversary

This paid event listing is sponsored by 605 Running Company.

The annual Sioux Falls Skedaddle Half Marathon has some big additions in store for its fifth year.

From a new “zippy mile” to the chance to run alongside elite competitors, you’ll want to mark your calendar for April 23-24 and register soon to take advantage of the best rate.

“Participants, families and friends can expect a road running experience that balances the nostalgia of our city, small-town vibes and big-city experiences,” said Greg Koch, co-owner of 605 Running Company, which organizes the race.

“Over the past five years, the team at 605 Running Company have grown into premier event organizers. We have faced unprecedented challenges in producing this event, ranging from once-in-a-100-year floods, global pandemics and notoriously unpredictable South Dakota weather. Each unique challenge has created growth opportunities, and we now thrive in producing top-level running events from start to finish.”

The course and the competition

Known as “the people’s race of South Dakota,” this is an event designed by runners, for runners.

The Sioux Falls Skedaddle’s scenic course starts and finishes in downtown Sioux Falls near Fawick Park.

Runners will pass landmarks such as the State Theatre, Augustana University, the University of Sioux Falls, The Butterfly House & Aquarium, the Outdoor Campus and many of the connected parks on the greenway trail system.

The Sioux Falls Skedaddle also recently was selected by The Road Runners Club of America to host the state championship event. The RRCA Championship Event series is the largest grassroots-organized running series in the U.S.

“This means we are expecting top-level competition on race day, and the 605 Running Company has invited a robust field of elite athletes to compete in the event,” Koch said.

The new additions

The fifth anniversary is bringing many new additions, including The Zippy Mile and the Queen Bee Challenge.

The Zippy Mile is a 1-mile race held April 23, the evening before the half-marathon April 24.

“From the start, our mission has been to create an extended celebration of running, health and wellness,” Koch said.

“By adding a 1-mile race, we have created a hyper-approachable experience for everyone to participate.”

And for participants who want to run both The Zippy Mile and The Skedaddle Half Marathon, there’s the Queen Bee Challenge.

“What this means is that there is an opportunity to earn three finisher medals on race weekend,” Koch said.

Also new this year, the Sioux Falls Skedaddle will include the 60.5 Move Expo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 23 at the Washington Pavilion. This pre-race expo traditionally is the time runners pick up race bibs, event swag and sponsorship materials.

This year, the goal is to enhance the experience with family-friendly fitness activities, demonstrations, games, crafts and food.

“Sioux Falls is a regional destination, and our race brings in folks from all across the country — 27 different states in 2021,” Koch said. “We wanted to create a unique experience not just for our runners, but for their families and friends that travel with them to running events.”

The thanks

No event this size is possible without help, and the Sioux Falls Skedaddle is grateful to:

• The First National Bank in Sioux Falls “is our long-term partner financial partner that has helped us do wonderful things within our running communities in the 605,” Koch said.
• Scooter’s Coffee has allowed the event to build the Little Scooters Family Fit Zone at the 60.5 Move Expo.
• GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness has signed on this year to support the event’s first-time runner programming.
• Health and wellness sponsor Empower U Physical Therapy “continues to keep local athletes running and injury-free,” Koch said.
• Skechers Performance Running Shoes have become the official running shoe of the Sioux Falls Skedaddle Half Marathon and The Zippy Mile.
• The Holiday Inn City Centre “has remained a long-term partner of ours, providing our participants with excellent service and rates to visit Sioux Falls on Skedaddle weekend,” Koch said.
• Experience Sioux Falls has helped promote and grow the event.

The event also requires more than 250 volunteers on race weekend. To take a look at the opportunities available, click here. 

And runners – don’t forget to register. Do so before the end of February for the best rate. Click here to get started.