Red Cedar Trail Races at Giant City State Park

Event Overview

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.

• Course Type: 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.
• Elevation Gain: The trail varies from very technical to runnable in sections, boasting over 1800 feet of elevation gain (one half-marathon loop).
• Creak Crossings: Expect the possibility of getting your feet wet in several creek crossings, rain dependent!
• Entry Fee for Teens: As an incentive to our teen and cross country runners, they will be capped at a $40 entry to the half-marathon.

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!

• 5k Course: 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.
• Hydration Station: There will be one hydration station at the return to the start/finish at approximately the 2-mile mark.
• Entry Fee for Teens: As an incentive to our teen and cross country runners, they will be capped at a $15 entry to the 5k!
• T-Shirt Option: T-shirt is still an additional $12.

Course Details

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: Early packet pickup will be Friday at 5-6 pm at Pavilion 5 (also the start/finish).
• Course Marking: The course will be well-marked with ribbons and arrows. All intersections will have directional signs and confidence markers.
• Open Course: Be aware that this is also an open course. You may encounter casual hikers and/or horseback riders.
• Safety Reminder: Be courteous, slow down, and announce your presence as you approach for everyone's safety.

Aid Stations and Self-Sufficiency

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.

• 5k Hydration Station: The 5k will have a hydration station at approximately mile 2 at the return to the finish.
• Preparedness: Be prepared to be self-sufficient between aid stations.
• Race Format: This is a cupless race. There will be no cups on the race course.
• Collapsible Cups: Prepare accordingly. Collapsible cups will be available for purchase at check-in for $5.

SWAG and Awards

Each participant will receive a swag bag full of goodies, with the option to receive a t-shirt for a $12 add-on.

• Post-Race Refreshments: 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).
• Drink Options: You may also select a non-alcoholic beverage.
• Finisher's Medal: Half-marathon and 40k finishers will receive a finisher's medal as well.
• Deadline for Shirt: LAST DAY FOR GUARANTEED SHIRT IS May 12th.

Dining and Accommodation

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!

• Cabins: If you would like sleeping accommodations, the Giant City Lodge has cabins to rent, and only a quarter mile away from the start/finish.
• Camping Options: Giant City State Park also has electric and primitive camping options.
• Nearby Hotels: If a hotel is more your style, Carbondale is only 20 minutes away.
• Other Accommodation: Also located nearby are many BNB options.