Red Cedar Trail Races at Giant City State Park

🏞️ Race Overview

• Location: Giant City State Park, IL
• Date: 2026-05-30
• Events: Half Marathon, 40k, and a new 5k
• Trail Type: Primarily single track with varied terrain

🚵‍♂️ Course Details

• Elevation Gain: Over 1500 feet in the half-marathon loop
• Course Features: Creek crossings and gravel road connectors
• Start Location: Pavilion 5 (GPS Link)
• Safety Note: Open course with potential for casual hikers and horseback riders

🥤 Aid Stations and Hydration

• Aid Stations: 2 well-stocked stations for half-marathon and 40k
• Hydration Stations: 2 hydration points on course
• Self-Sufficiency: Be prepared to manage longer stretches between aid stations
• Race Format: Cupless race—no cups provided on course

🎽 Participant Perks

• Swag Bag: Full of goodies for each participant
• T-Shirt: Available for a $12 add-on
• Post-Race Refreshments: Cooling towel and a beverage from the lodge
• Medals: Finisher's medal for half-marathon and 40k participants

🍗 Dining and Accommodations

• Dining Options: Available at Giant City Lodge, famous fried chicken!
• Cabin Rentals: Lodge cabins available, only a quarter mile from start/finish
• Camping: Electric and primitive camping options within 2 miles
• Hotels: Carbondale hotels are 20 minutes away: BNB options available

👟 Youth Incentives

• Entry Fee: Teen and cross country runners capped at $40 for half-marathon and $15 for 5k
• T-Shirt: $12 additional for 5k participants
• Training Goals: Encourage youth to run the trails in southern Illinois
• Packet Pickup: Early pickup on the day before the event