The Piasa
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
About the race
The Piasa II takes place on March 27, 2027 at Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton, Illinois. The event draws on the local Piasa legend, a mythical winged creature from the Illiniwek language often translated as "the bird that devours humans." The race courses run through rugged bluffs and forested ravines along technical singletrack where footing is demanding and descents require careful attention.
Distances offered:
- 12.5K: shorter route that introduces runners to technical Piasa trails.
- 25K: sustained climbing and technical terrain that produces notable fatigue.
- 50K: long climbs with over 4,000 feet of cumulative climbing across the course.
Runners may choose to compete alone or in a two-person Buddy Division. In the Solo Division, an individual faces the full course alone. In the Buddy Division, two runners share the route and must remain together during the effort.
The event emphasizes a testing trail environment: steep, uneven terrain, frequent climbs, and sections that require concentrated footing. Course maps are provided for each distance. The presentation frames the race as a direct engagement with terrain and local legend rather than a standard road or flat trail event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
