Cross Country Sundown Showdown
- Date
- July 17, 2026
- Distance
- XC 5k
From the Organizer
The 2nd Annual Cross Country Sundown Showdown
July 17, 2026
REGISTRATION AND BIB PICKUP
Carterville Community Center, 120 N Greebriar Rd, Carterville
Friday, July 17, 2026 5:30 PM
Shirt Deadline July 5, 2026
Race start and finish behind the Carterville Community Center
Join us for the 2nd 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.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
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, 5 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Carterville, IL
Population
5,822
as of 2023
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
What Are You
Waiting For?
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.
39
Days to train
- Race
- Cross Country Sundown Showdown
- Date
- July 17, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near Carterville, IL
2026 Big Muddy Monster 5k Run/Walk
5K
13 miles away
Chafin' at the Aid Station Ice Cream Run in partnership with Fitz's Sodas
12 miles away
Feather Hills Double Barrel 5K/10K
10K · 5K
12 miles away
Hope Fest 5K Walk/Run & Kids Fun Run
Youth
10 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
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.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Cross Country Sundown Showdown?
- Cross Country Sundown Showdown is a running race held in Carterville, Illinois on July 17, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Cross Country Sundown Showdown?
- Friday, July 17, 2026 in Carterville, Illinois at 120 N Greenbriar Rd, Carterville, IL. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Cross Country Sundown Showdown?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Cross Country Sundown Showdown
Jul 17, 2026