Giant City Lodge Rd, Makanda IL
Saturday, May 30th, 2026
🏞️ Race Overview
- Location: Giant City State Park, Makanda, IL
- Date: May 30, 2026
- Event: Premier trail ½ marathon utilizing the Red Cedar Trail
- Course Features: Mostly single track, gravel road connectors, and creek crossings
🌲 Course Details
- Elevation Gain: Over 1500 feet within one half marathon loop
- New for 2026: A 5k option utilizing a service road for a portion of the course
- Technical Aspects: Varies from very technical to runnable sections
- Open Course: Be aware of casual hikers and horseback riders on the trail
📍 Start Location and Packet Pickup
- Starting Point: Pavilion 5 for all events
- Packet Pickup: 6-6:45 am on race day, and 5-6 pm the day before
- Course Marking: Well-marked with ribbons, arrows, and directional signs
- Safety: Slow down and announce your presence to ensure safety
💧 Aid Stations and Race Provisions
- Stations: 2 aid stations for participants and 1 water station for the half marathon
- Self-Sufficiency: Be prepared to be self-sufficient between aid stations
- Cupless Race: There will be no cups provided on the course
- Preparation: Bring your own hydration containers
🎁 SWAG and Awards
- Gifts: Participants receive a swag bag full of goodies
- T-Shirt: Available for a $10 add-on, must be ordered by April 20th for guarantee
- Finisher Perks: Everyone receives a medal and a beer or a non-alcoholic beverage
- Age Requirement: Must be 21 years-of-age or older to receive beer
🍗 Post-Race Amenities
- Dinner Options: Dining available at Giant City Lodge for participants and families
- Specialty: Try their famous fried chicken!
- Accommodations: Cabins for rent at the lodge and camping options in the park
- Nearby Stay: Hotels and BnBs available in Carbondale, 15-20 minutes away
🔗 Additional Information
Course Map
Suggested Races
Find The Run Newsletter