Red Cedar Trail Races at Giant City State Park
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About the race
Red Cedar Trail Races take place at Giant City State Park in Makanda, Illinois, with the start and finish at Pavilion 5. The event offers multiple trail distances that use the Red Cedar Trail and nearby connector routes.
- 5K
- 13.6 Miles (half marathon)
- 26 Miles (marathon)
- 50 Miles (50 miler)
The course is mostly single track with some gravel road connectors, horse trails, fields, and less than a mile of paved road connectors. One half-marathon loop has more than 1800 feet of elevation gain. Creek crossings are possible depending on weather. The 5K uses a service road for about three quarters of a mile before joining the Red Cedar Trail and finishes the same as the half-marathon. The course is marked with ribbons, arrows, and directional signs; intersections include confidence markers.
Aid and hydration: there are two well-stocked aid stations and two hydration stations per loop on looped distances. The 5K has a hydration station near the return to the finish at about mile two. The race is cupless; collapsible cups are available for purchase at check-in for $5.
Participants receive a swag bag; a t-shirt is available as a $12 add-on (last day for guaranteed shirt is May 12). Every finisher receives a medal, post-race refreshments, and a cooling towel; beer or a non-alcoholic beverage is offered to finishers 21 or older. Top finishers and age-group winners receive custom branded cedar awards and trophies. Donations to the Friends of Giant City State Park are matched dollar for dollar by the race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
