What exactly is South Dakota Gold Rush?

It's a non-profit youth track and field club that gives kids in both rural communities and the city the chance to participate in a structured track and field environment. It is a USTAF (U.S. Track & Field) member club.

Courtesy South Dakota Gold Rush

Where do they compete?

South Dakota Gold Rush kids participate in local, regional, district, and even national competitions.

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How long have South Dakota Gold Rush youths been competing?

This is the fifth season for the team and for the first time, four of their athletes are heading to the National Junior Olympics at the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon, from July 24 through the 30th.

Courtesy South Dakota Gold Rush

Who are the athletes from South Dakota going to the Junior Olympics?

Girls:

Jalyaa Claxton, 11, from Marion, South Dakota/ pentathlon
Amayah Nielsen, 12, from Sioux Falls, South Dakota/ pentathlon and shot put

Boys:

Khyran Claxton, 13, from Marion, South Dakota/pentathlon and 800m
Ezra Wildeman, 17, from Rapid City, South Dakota/ 400 hurdles.

Courtesy Jessica Claxton-South Dakota Gold Rush

Congratulations to these hardworking and talented South Dakota athletes!

For more information on South Dakota Gold Rush, see their website.

32 Things to Do in Sioux Falls This Summer That Are Absolutely Free!

Sure, there are tons of things to do in the Sioux Empire every summer, but if your entertainment budget is small (or zero), we have the solution - actually, we have lots of solutions.

Here is a list of family-friendly (and some, just adult-friendly) events happening this summer in the Sioux Falls area that you should check out. Oh, the best part, everything on this list is FREE.