Rend Lake Marathon
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Overview
The Rend Lake Marathon takes place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Barren Township, Illinois, with the finish at North Marcum Beach. The event offers three distances:
- Marathon
- 1/2 Marathon
- 1/4 Marathon
Entry fees listed are $115 for the marathon, $80 for the half marathon, and $50 for the quarter marathon. The marathon course is USATF certified. Registration to guarantee a race shirt closes on March 11, 2026. At the time of the listing there were 47 spots left for the quarter marathon.
Course, logistics and services
The route uses paved paths, bike paths and country roads around Rend Lake, passing South Sandusky Beach, the marina, the Rend Lake Visitors Center, the spillway, Lake Hamilton and Lake Benton before returning to North Marcum Beach. Packet pickup is scheduled on the day before the race at Seasons Restaurant at Rend Lake Golf Course and on race day at North Marcum Beach. Buses are provided to transport runners to start areas.
There are seven aid stations at approximate mileages, with water, Gatorade Endurance and a porta john at each station; one aid station lists gel fuel. Each race has its own finisher medal; medals include a magnetic side to connect them together. Lodging at Seasons Lodge and Condominiums offers a 10% weekend discount when the event is mentioned. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
