Join the fun! For just $15, any student under age 12 may enter the Riverbank Run (in-person or virtual) and represent their school in the Grade School Challenge. The elementary school with the most student racers will be awarded a trophy!

The YMCA Grade School challenge is made possible by the Good Food Store.

Registration:

• Talk with your child's teacher for an official Grade School Challenge registration envelope. Envelopes will be available late March.
• Missed the deadline? Sign up online and select your student's school when prompted to ensure their registration counts toward the challenge!
• Make it a family event! Use the envelope to register your entire family for this event or click here to register online.

Packet Pickup:

• Racers in grades K–5 enrolled in MCPS, Target Range, Hellgate Elementary, and St. Joe's may opt to receive their race packet (shirt and bib) at their school.
  • Registering with cash or check? Turn your envelope into your teacher by April 3 to receive your packet at your school.
  • Registering online? Sign up by April 9 to receive your packet at your school.
• Missed the deadlines? Pick up your packets on race day at the start line.

Prizes

• A traveling trophy will be awarded to the elementary school with the most student racers! Congratulations to Lewis & Clark Elementary School, winner of the 2023 Grade School Challenge.

In-Person Event Details:
Scroll to the end of the page for virtual race details.

• All races start at Higgins & Broadway, and end along the Kim Williams Trail across from Caras Park.
• 2,000+ racers are expected on race day. We recommend carpooling.
• Trifecta racers may collect their long-sleeve event shirts after completing all three races. Shirts are available at the finish line.
• Portapotties are located at the start and finish lines.
• Strollers and wheelchairs welcome. No pets, please.

Race Start Times:

All races start at Higgins & Broadway.

• 9:00 a.m. 10K start time
• 10:30 a.m. 5K start time
• 11:25 a.m. 1 Mile Trifecta start time
• 11:45 a.m. 1 Mile Fun Run start time

Virtual Race Participants:

Running virtually? Racers through April 27 to complete their selected race. Virtual racers have three ways to complete their race:

• Run the traditional course(s)
• Run one of our suggested alternates
• Choose your favorite trail or route

Upon completion, click here to upload your virtual race results, then follow the steps below: