Two children race participants giving a volunteer a high-five.

Avera Race Against Cancer
Yankton, SD

May 9, 2026

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Build Your Team to Race

You, your family, friends and coworkers are invited to join the Avera Race Against Cancer in Yankton, proudly organized by Avera Sacred Heart Wellness Center and Coach Rozy Performance, powered by Avera Sports.

Survivor Recognition Event

Immediately following the race, survivors are invited to share in fellowship, food and an inspirational message.

Want to Get Prepped for the Avera Race?

Participate in Coach Rozy’s training program. To learn more, call Avera Sacred Heart Wellness Center at 605-668-8357.

See how this event impacts the lives of local cancer patients at the Avera Cancer Institute.

Avera Race Against Cancer type treatment.

Yankton Race Details and Logistics

Runs/Walks

Avera Race starts and ends in the parking lot of the Avera Sacred Heart Wellness Center, located at 501 Summit, Yankton, SD 57078. The 5K route will take you across the Meridian Bridge over the Missouri River.

  • 1-mile walk
    This is a great option for the entire family.
  • 5K run
    We encourage anyone to participate if you're eager and able.
  • Virtual race
    Race at your own time, pace and location with our virtual option.

Teams

Avera race teams are an excellent way for individuals and businesses to participate in the state's largest race raising funds for cancer patients and research. It’s a great chance to foster a tradition, create memories, and boost employee morale and team-building skills — all while showing your community YOU care!

Team Registration

  • Go to our registration site. Click “Register” and then “Create a team." Follow the on-screen steps.
  • If you create a new team, you will be the team captain.
  • Recruit team members. (NOTE: Ten registered participants are required to qualify as a team. If your team does not have 10 registered participants by Monday, April 28, the team will be registered as individuals.)
  • Challenge team members to go the next step and create their own online fundraising page with their registration.
  • Be creative with your team: design shirts, make signs and have fun!
  • Team registration is due by Sunday, April 27 at 5 PM.

Virtual Race

If you cannot attend an Avera Race event, or live outside of the region, you can still register for and participate in the Avera Race — right where you are and on your time. Your contribution makes a difference. 100% of your registration fees and donations support patient services at the Avera Cancer Institute.

Sign up on our registration site as “Virtual – Adult Registration.”

Your official Avera Race shirt will be mailed to you.

Schedule

Race Day Schedule – Saturday, May 9

  • 7 AM – Day-of-race packet pickup
  • 7:15 AM – Coach Rozy warm-up
  • 7:30 AM – Pre-race Survivor Photo
  • 7:45 AM – Prayer
  • 8 AM – Run and walk begin
  • 9:15-9:30 AM – Awards ceremony
  • Immediately following the race – Cancer Survivor Recognition Event

Packet Pickup

Early Packet Pickup

Registrants are encouraged to pick up their race packets early at Avera Sacred Heart Wellness Center, 501 Summit St, Yankton, SD 57078.

  • Thursday May 7 – 5:30 AM to 8 PM
  • Friday, May 8 – 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM

Race Day Packet Pickup

  • Saturday, May 9 – 7 AM at the wellness center

FAQs

How do I register myself and others for the Avera Race Against Cancer?

Online: Register yourself with individual registration or create a team on our registration site.

  • Team registration is open until Sunday, April 27 at 5 PM.
  • Individual registration is open online until Friday, May 8 at 3 PM.

Race Day Registration: We encourage pre-registration; however, you can walk up on race day. Same day registrations will be at a discount of $10 with no shirt or swag.

I have young children that will be attending the race with me. Do they need to be registered?

Only registered participants receive an official Avera Race shirt and swag. Children 16 and under receive a discounted registration fee of $20.

Can I bring a stroller or my pet?

We discourage strollers and wagons along the race run routes. However, we do allow them on the walk routes. Please line up near the back of the start line for safety purposes.

With the exception of service and emotional support animals, no pets are allowed.

Would the Avera Race be cancelled due to weather, and if so, could I receive a refund? Or what if I can no longer attend?

The Avera Race takes place rain or shine. We do reserve the right to cancel in extreme circumstances. In that event, there will be no refunds and your registration fee will be used as a donation to benefit cancer patients and families served at Avera Cancer Institute. Should the Avera Race need to be cancelled, notification will be made via email and on the Avera Race Facebook page.

If you are unable to participate, you may:

  • Transfer your registration to another individual.
  • Change your registration type to a Sideline Supporter, so that you still receive an official Avera Race packet.
  • Ask that your registration be converted to a donation.

What if I'm injured on the route?

Medical professionals and volunteers will be available to assist in the event of an injury on the route.

Ask a Question

Contact us if you have a question. We look forward to assisting you.

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