March Madness Half Marathon
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Event overview
The Hillstriders March Madness Half Marathon is scheduled for March 15, 2026 in Cary, Illinois. The event is held at Cary-Grove High School, 2208 Three Oaks Road, Cary, IL 60013. The main distance is a half marathon on a USATF certified course (IL-23027-NM). Participants must be able to complete the race within 3.5 hours. Race numbers and a signed waiver are required; photo ID is required to receive a race number and timing tag. Strollers, coaches, baby-joggers, bikes, dogs, in-line skates and skateboards are not allowed on the course.
Course and race services
Water and Gatorade are provided at 2.5-mile intervals and at the finish. Washrooms are available on course at miles 3, 5 and 9. A finish line clock will be on display. Finishers receive a custom March Madness Half Marathon medal and each participant receives a hooded sweatshirt (limited sizing available). Team awards are given to teams of four or more in categories for fastest overall time and most participation; team representatives must be present at the awards ceremony to receive awards.
Registration, packet pickup and fundraising
A VIP registration option is available; VIP entries include a parking pass, complimentary coffee and private restrooms, and VIP fees support the Distance Scholarship program. Packet pickup is offered Saturday, March 14 (Running Depot, Crystal Lake) and Sunday, March 15 (Cary-Grove High School gym). Registration uses tiered pricing with increasing fees as the event date approaches. The Hillstriders Running Club operates a scholarship fund that received contributions from event fees and awarded $15,000 in 2025. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
