Cactus Classic Trail Races

Event

The Cactus Classic Trail Races take place in Manito, IL on March 7, 2026. This is the 16th anniversary of the event, which began in 2010. Distances offered include:

• Marathon
• 1/2 Marathon
• 10K

Registration details: to be guaranteed a shirt or hoodie, registration must be completed by February 21, 2026. Entries after February 21 until race day do not include a shirt or hoodie and have reduced pricing. Registration closes February 28, 2026.

Course

The course runs through the pine forests of Sand Ridge State Forest and begins and ends at the Oak Campground. Trails have many flat runnable sections and several rolling sections. The trail surface is loose sandy soil similar to running on a beach. The race is named for the variety of cactus that grows wild in the park; participants may see cactus along the route.

Logistics

Packet pickup is available on race morning. Parking is in the Oak Camp area, with overflow parking along Cactus Drive. Any drop downs in distance must be made before the start of the race to avoid being recorded as a DNF. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.