Red Cedar Trail Races at Giant City State Park

Red Cedar Trail Races at Giant City State Park

Red Cedar Trail Races take place at Giant City State Park in Makanda, Illinois, using Pavilion 5 as the start and finish area. The event offers multiple trail distances on the Red Cedar Trail and nearby connectors.

The course is mostly single track with some gravel road connectors, horse trails, fields, and under one mile of paved road. Terrain ranges from very technical to runnable sections and one half-marathon loop includes over 1,800 feet of elevation gain. Creek crossings are possible depending on rain. The 5K uses a service road for about three quarters of a mile before connecting to the Red Cedar Trail and finishes on the same section as the half marathon.

Distances:

• Taste of Red Cedar 5K
• Red Cedar Trail 1/2 Marathon (13.6 miles)
• Red Cedar Trail Marathon (26 miles)
• Red Cedar Trail 50 Miler (four loops)

Each loop includes two well-stocked aid stations and two hydration stations; the 5K has a hydration station near mile 2. The race is cupless so participants should plan accordingly; collapsible cups are available for purchase at check-in.

Registration windows and fees vary by distance, with most events opening registration on November 1, 2026 and closing February 1, 2027; the marathon opens December 1, 2026. T-shirt is an optional $12 add-on; last day for guaranteed shirt is May 12. Finishers receive refreshments and a cooling towel; medals for 5K, half, and marathon finishers and a buckle for 50-mile finishers. Top finishers and age group winners receive custom cedar awards. The event offers a dollar for dollar matching gift for runner donations to Friends of Giant City State Park.

Packet pickup is available the day of the event and the evening before. Lodging options include cabins at Giant City Lodge and camping in the state park; Carbondale is about 20 minutes away for additional accommodations. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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