Cactus Classic Trail Races
Topeka, United States • 7 Mar 2026
Event details
The Cactus Classic Trail Races take place at Sand Ridge State Forest in Manito, Illinois on March 7, 2026. This is the 16th anniversary of the event, first held in 2010. Registration closes February 28. To be guaranteed a shirt or hoodie, registration must be completed by February 21. Entries after February 21 until race day do not include a shirt or hoodie; pricing for those entries has been reduced.
Packet pickup is available on race morning. If an entrant decides not to run, the organizers request notice. Any distance drop-downs must be completed before the start of the race to avoid being recorded as a DNF.
Course and logistics
The course begins and ends at the Oak Campground and runs through the pine forests of Sand Ridge State Forest. Trails consist of loose sandy soil, similar to running on a beach, with many flat runnable sections and several rolling sections. The race is named for the variety of cactus that grows in the park; participants may see cacti along the route.
Parking is at the Oak Camp area, with overflow parking along Cactus Drive. A Google map pin is provided for the start, parking, packet pickup, and finish area. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Distances
- Marathon
- 1/2 Marathon
- 10K