Red Cedar Trail Races at Giant City State Park

Nestled in the Shawnee National Forest, Giant City State Park is a premier destination for hiking, lodging, and camping in southern Illinois. We are now proud to offer a premier trail (heavy) ½ marathon and 40k primarily utilizing the Red Cedar Trail.  The course will consist mostly of single track, but will have some gravel road connectors, horse trails, fields, and less than a mile of paved road connectors. The trail varies from very technical to runnable in sections, boasting over 1800 feet of elevation gain (one half-marathon loop).  Also, expect the possibility of getting your feet wet in several creek crossings, rain dependent!  As an incentive to our teen and cross country runners, they will be capped at a $40 entry to the half-marathon.  We want to encourage our youth to run the trails in southern Illinois.  Also, the t-shirt is now an add-on instead of an automatic upcharge for those who wish to forgo a race shirt.  (If you change your mind, there should be some extra at packet pick-up.  First come, first served.)

NEW FOR 2026!  For anyone not yet ready for the half-marathon, you can get a taste of the Red Cedar Trail with a new 5k option!  We will utilize a service road for approximately 3/4 of a mile before connecting to the Red Cedar Trail.  The rest of the 5k course will finish the same as the half-marathon course.  There will be one hydration station at the return to the start/finish at approximately the 2-mile mark.  Also as an incentive to our teen and cross country runners, they will be capped at a $15 entry to the 5k!  (T-shirt is still an additional $12.)

The course starts at Pavilion 5 for all events.  Start/Finish GPS  Packet pickup will be at 6-7:45 am the day of the event.  Early packet pickup will be Friday at 5-6 pm at Pavilion 5 (also the start/finish).  The course mostly utilizes the Red Cedar Trail, sometimes intersecting with the River to River Trail, and some surrounding horse trails. The course will be well-marked with ribbons and arrows. All intersections will have directional signs and confidence markers. Be aware that this is also an open course. You may encounter casual hikers and/or horseback riders. Be courteous, slow down, and announce your presence as you approach for everyone's safety.

There will be 2 well-stocked aid stations and 2 hydration stations per loop.  One loop for the half-marathon and two loops for the 40k. The 5k will have a hydration station at approximately mile 2 at the return to the finish.  Be prepared to be self-sufficient between aid stations, and be aware that it may take an hour or more depending on your physical condition. This is a cupless race. There will be no cups on the race course. Prepare accordingly. (Collapsible cups will be available for purchase at check-in for $5.)

SWAG: Each participant will receive a swag bag full of goodies, with the option to receive a t-shirt for a $12 add-on. Each finisher will receive post-race refreshments, a cooling towel, and a beer from the air-conditioned lodge! (Must be 21 years-of-age or older)  You may also select a non-alcoholic beverage.  Half-marathon and 40k finishers will receive a finisher's medal as well.  LAST DAY FOR GUARANTEED SHIRT IS May 12th.

The Giant City Lodge also offers dining options for participants, family, and friends for a post-race meal. Be sure to check out their famous fried chicken!

If you would like sleeping accommodations, the Giant City Lodge has cabins to rent, and only a quarter mile away from the start/finish. May is a busy month, so call and book early! (618) 457-4921 Located just two miles (drive, 1 mile hike) from the start/finish, Giant City State Park also has electric and primitive camping options. If a hotel is more your style, Carbondale is only 20 minutes away. Also located nearby are many BNB options.

Ready to test your limits? The Red Cedar Trail Races at Giant City State Park brings a highly anticipated Half-Marathon, 38K to Makanda on May 24, 2025. Expect a fantastic route right in the heart of Illinois.