Red Cedar Trail Races at Giant City State Park
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Red Cedar Trail Races at Giant City State Park
The Red Cedar Trail Races take place on May 30, 2026 at Pavilion 5 in Giant City State Park, Makanda, Illinois. The event includes these distances:
- Taste of Red Cedar 5k
- Red Cedar Trail 1/2 Marathon
- Red Cedar Trail 40k
The courses use the Red Cedar Trail as the primary route and include mostly single track with some gravel road connectors, horse trails, fields, and under one mile of paved connectors. Terrain ranges from technical to runnable in sections and the half marathon loop gains over 1800 feet of elevation. Creek crossings are possible depending on weather. The course is well marked with ribbons, arrows, directional signs, and confidence markers, and it is an open course where runners may encounter hikers and horseback riders.
Aid and race logistics are described for each distance. There are two well stocked aid stations and two hydration stations per loop for the longer distances. The 5k has a hydration station near the return to the finish. This is a cupless race so participants should be prepared to be self sufficient between stations. Packet pickup is available the day of the event and there is an early pickup on Friday evening.
Each participant receives a swag bag and finishers in the half marathon and 40k receive a finisher medal. A t shirt is optional for a $12 add on and the last day for a guaranteed shirt is May 15. Post race refreshments and a cooling towel are provided. Beer or a non alcoholic beverage is available for those 21 and older. Organizer and volunteer information is provided for those who wish to donate or assist. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
