The fan rating on this one could have been zero, although the volunteers were nice. Rather than the roar of spectators there was the pounding of woodpeckers, the squawking of gulls and the quiet lapping of the water to the shore. Can't get that at a big city marathon.
The course starts and finishes by the Missouri River, and about 10 miles of it is run at Lewis & Clark State Park. Most of the in-town miles are on paved or concrete trails, so there little concern about traffic. There is even a long hill from about mile 19.5 to 20.5 to develop a little character.
It's a small race, so it's easy for a runner's own fans to find you as many times as they wish.
The runners do get spaced far and few between, so one could get lost and a few more signs in the state park would be good. But the peaceful solitude is enjoyable. There's no pressure to stay with a pack because there is no pack. Just you and nature.
It seems to be a marathon on the rise.

Well run small marathon with scenic views. Finishers medal was small but with a small entry fee that's expected. Food before and after the run were excellent, pizza from Pizza Ranch along with bananas, bagels, cookies, oranges and other goodies. Of the 11 marathons I've run this one was in the top 2 and didn't have a $140 entry fee like Las Vegas or $125 at Chicago. I was tired of big races anyway. Hill at mile 19-20 was about a half mile long but manageable. Most of the rest was pretty flat except same hill going down between mile 2-3. Good race to add SD to my states.

I ran the RiverRat 1/2 for the second consecutive year. This was the third year for the marathon and half. The races have become bigger and more well-organized each year.

The majority of the 1/2 course is on a asphalt and includes one large hill on the out & back course. Weather in SD can vary quite a bit in April, but it this was a perfect morning to run - cool temps in the 40's and nearly zero wind.

The course is almost completely outside of town along the Missouri River and through state parks. Everything is very well run and organized to be easy and accessible but if you are in need of numerous spectators to be motivated, then this is not your race. All the volunteers and the few spectators on the course are very friendly and helpful however, as are the other competitors.

Aid stations were present on the course every 2 miles with a full supply of bananas, orange slices, sports drink, and water. There was also a plentiful supply of pizza, bagels, bananas, cookies, and water for all participants following the race.

Scenic run, great views, and beautiful parks, all on a well supported course.

If you want thousands of cheering fans or a band every mile, you need to bring your own, but everything else is here to make your marathon experience really rewarding.

Would like to see a slightly nicer finishing medal, but that is a small detail, and as this event evolves, I am guessing that is a future upgrade.

This run needs only one thing: people to know about it. The town is hospitable, with several lodging possibilities. It is easy to get around in, and the logistics are easy. The course is a really nice, paved trail along the "Mighty Mo." That is the Missouri River, of course. I mean, this is the River Rat Marathon. I was next to last, and the people were great to cheer me in. You might not like this race if you need cheering crowds, but the nice scenery makes up for the lack of people out there.

This is a small, rural race that starts and ends in town by the river, but about half of it is run through a state park along the banks of the lake. Organization is strong and efficient. With only about 33 finishers in 2011, you will likely be alone for much of the race, but the scenery is awesome. Wind and cold weather made for a challenge, but I haven't met the RD yet who can control these things. Volunteers were excellent, and cheerful, especially considering the weather. The last 5 miles are on a bike path along a stream. Results were posted on an email sent out by about 1:30 p.m. on race day!! Good race...