Rend Lake Marathon
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Event
The Rend Lake Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Barren Township, Illinois. The event includes three distances:
- Marathon
- 1/2 Marathon
- 1/4 Marathon
The marathon course is USATF certified. Each race offers a distinct finisher medal; the medals have a magnetic side so they can connect to each other.
Course and logistics
The route uses paved paths, bike paths and country roads around Rend Lake. The course passes South Sandusky Beach, the marina, the Rend Lake Visitors Center, the spillway, Lake Hamilton and Lake Benton, and finishes at North Marcum Beach. A MapMyRun course map is available.
Aid stations are placed along the route. Each aid station provides water, Gatorade Endurance and a porta john. Gel fuel is available at the aid station near Rend City Parking Lot. Seven aid stations are listed with approximate mileages and with indication of which races they serve.
Packet pickup is available at Seasons Restaurant at Rend Lake Golf Course (12476 Golf Course Rd, Whittington, IL) before race day and at North Marcum Beach on race day. Seasons Lodge and Condominiums at Rend Lake Golf Course offers a 10% lodging discount for race weekend when the event is mentioned.
Registration and fees
Current listed fees are $115 for the marathon, $80 for the half marathon and $50 for the quarter marathon. Sign-up deadlines and remaining spots are listed on the event page. Race shirt guarantee requires registration by March 11, 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
