
Cross Country Sundown Showdown is a running race on July 16, 2027 in Carterville, IL, with an entry fee of $25.
From the Organizer
July 16, 2027
Carterville Community Center, 120 N Greebriar Rd, Carterville
Friday, July 16, 2027 6:00 PM
Shirt Deadline July 5, 2027
Join us for the 3rd Annual Sundown Showdown 5K!
Hosted by the River to River Runners, this unique event brings the excitement of a classic cross country meet to runners of all levels. The race will start and finish behind the Carterville Community Center, offering a fun and spectator-friendly atmosphere.
Designed to resemble a traditional high school cross country meet, the Sundown Showdown uses standard XC scoring on a 5K course. This is primarily a team-based event, with teams consisting of 3 - 5 runners, and the top 3 runners scoring for each team.
Teams will compete in three divisions: male, female, and mixed. Mixed teams must include at least two female runners among their five participants. Don’t have a full team? No problem...individual runners are welcome, and we’ll gladly help match you with others to form a team on race day. You can also choose to compete solo if you prefer.
The course features a true cross country experience, with mostly grass terrain complemented by sections of gravel and paved path, making for a dynamic and enjoyable run.
Whether you’re chasing a team title or just looking for a fun and competitive race atmosphere, the Sundown Showdown is a great way to experience cross country racing at its best.
Awards:
Medals will be presented to the top 25 male and female finishers, as well as awards for the top 3 teams in each division (Male, Female, and Mixed).
Team Scoring:
Team scores are calculated by adding the finishing positions of each team’s top three runners. Each runner earns points based on their place (1 point for 1st, 2 points for 2nd, etc.), and the team with the lowest total score is declared the winner. Teams may include 3–5 runners, but only the top three finishers will count toward the team score.
Race Markings:
Race will be marked with the following paint colors.
Mile 1 - Red
Mile 2 - White
Mile 3 - Blue
There will be a lead vehicle to guide the runners through the course.
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
88°
Typical Low
68°
Chance of Rain
29%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Carbondale Sewage Plt, 4 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
5,822
as of 2023
City Elevation
473 ft
Nearest Airport
MWA
Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois · 5 mi
Major Hub
STL
St. Louis Lambert International Airport · 96 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Cross Country Sundown Showdown, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
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From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
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Cross Country Sundown Showdown
Jul 16, 2027