Red Cedar Trail Races at Giant City State Park
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Event
The Red Cedar Trail Races take place on May 30, 2026, at Giant City State Park in Makanda, Illinois. The event program includes these distances:
- Taste of Red Cedar 5k
- Red Cedar Trail 1/2 Marathon
- Red Cedar Trail 40k
Registration details listed by the organizer show reduced prices for 2026 and registration opening dates in January 2026. Limited spots remain for the half marathon and 40k events.
Course and logistics
All events start and finish at Pavilion 5 in Giant City State Park. The half marathon course is primarily single-track trail with some gravel roads, horse trails, fields, and less than a mile of paved connectors. One half marathon loop includes over 1,500 feet of elevation gain. Creek crossings are possible depending on weather.
The 40k uses an additional loop to extend the distance. A new 5k course connects a service road for about 3/4 mile before joining the Red Cedar Trail and follows the same finish as the half.
The course will be marked with ribbons, arrows, directional signs, and confidence markers. It is an open course where hikers and horseback riders may be present. There are two aid stations on course and one water station for the half marathon. The race is cupless; no cups will be provided. Packet pickup is available the day of the event and the evening before. Participants receive a swag bag; a t-shirt is available as a $10 add-on. Each finisher receives a medal and may choose a beer or non-alcoholic beverage (beer limited to ages 21 and over). Lodging, cabins, and camping are available within or near the park. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
