The Running Routes of Yankton

Running is a love-hate relationship for me. There are days where I can’t wait to run ten miles and other days where I wonder why I am putting myself through such a grueling sport. When I have mentally rough days, I repeat this question in my head over and over while I run. Why am I doing this to myself? I think. The simple answer is this: my surroundings. Yankton, South Dakota, provides a safe and relaxing environment while running.

My go-to running route for four miles is the Meridian Bridge, which is about a mile from campus. The best time to run on the bridge is when the sun is either rising or setting. It creates a beautiful view, especially when the golden sunlight hits your face, giving you some warmth. While running, I am out of breath most of the time, but when I focus on the water underneath the bridge, my mind comes to a slow. If you decide to get into running, Meridian Bridge is a perfect place to start.

While there are good places to run, there are also the difficult routes. The Lewis and Clark Horse Trail is one of them. These trails are mainly meant for hiking or mountain biking, but my coach likes to think otherwise. As a cross-country runner, you will be dealt with different types of terrain, so you need to be prepared. With its height of nearly 1,400 feet (Trailforks), this trail will help you get a taste of what true cross-country is. The first time my team and I ran this route, it felt like the longest day of my life. We did a three-mile loop but the time spent on it meant it was more like eight miles. All of the steep hills and sharp turns took a toll on my body. My muscles had jolting pain while my knees felt like they were about to snap from all of the impact of the rough terrain. This route is perfect for someone willing to do cross-country, but is not highly recommended.

Every Sunday, I go out for a long run which ranges from eight to ten miles. Running along the Missouri River by Chief White Crane Recreation Area is my favorite route for longer runs because the terrain is mainly flat. When you run this route, it is a straight path that leads around the lake, which provides nice scenery along the way. Also, with the lake, you can go for a swim to cool off if necessary. Every once in a while, when the weather is warm, my cross country team will jump in the lake after the runs.

Some long runs, we switch it up and run around the town of Yankton. Starting from Mount Marty, we go down the road up to Walmart and circle back to the school. It is not my personal favorite route because we pass the Yankton WasteWater Treatment Plant on the way back, and the smells are horrendous. However, this route gets the job done. In total, the route is roughly eight to nine miles long.

Yankton, South Dakota has many routes for a runner to run and discover. It provides many easy and fun paths as well as the difficult ones. As a cross-country runner, I have discovered that there are really no bad routes in Yankton. Each one has its pros and cons but that is what makes running fun. You get to run and discover new surroundings. Running allows for your mind to focus on being in the present moment. For me, it gets rid of all of the stresses of school and my personal life. If I had to choose anywhere in South Dakota to go run, it would be Yankton.

Works Cited

Trailforks Mapping Inc. (n.d.). Lewis and Clark Lake Horse trail #1 (access) - yankton Trailforks.
www.trailforks.com/trails/lewis-and-clark-lake-horse-trail-1-access.

About Alexis Gosch

Alexis Gosch is a sophomore majoring in Radiologic Technology. Gosch is a member of the cross-country and track team. A resident from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, she loves to travel and to be outdoors.