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 proud to offer a premier trail (heavy) ½ marathon and marathon 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! For anyone not yet ready for the longer distances, you can get a taste of the Red Cedar Trail with a 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, and $40 for the half marathon!  We want to encourage our youth to run the trails in southern Illinois.  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 2027!  The 50 miler! That's 4 grueling loops of Red Cedar Trail to provide the ultimate challenge!

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, two loops for the marathon, and four loops for the 50 miler. 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.  Every finisher of the 5k, half, and marathon distances receives a finisher medal with their distance. 50-mile finishers will receive a buckle! Top age group winners will receive a custom branded cedar award. Top 3 male and female finishers of each distance will earn a custom branded cedar trophy. LAST DAY FOR GUARANTEED SHIRT IS May 12th .

Red Cedar Trail Races is proud to collect donations to the Friends of Giant City State Park. For every donation made by our runners, the race will $1 for every $1 for a 100% matching gift.

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. It's a busy time of year, 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.