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.  Also, as an incentive to our youth, teen, and cross country runners, registration 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.  

NEW FOR 2027!  The 50 miler! That's 4 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 5-7:45 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 occasional horseback riders along shared sections. For everyone’s safety, please slow down, announce your presence, and give horses wide clearance. Encounters with horses are very rare, but standard trail etiquette always applies.

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. Runners must carry a handheld flask, bottle, or hydration vest. Prepare accordingly. (Collapsible cups will be available for purchase at check-in for $5.)

CUTOFFS:
5k: 3 hours
Half Marathon: 8 hours
Full Marathon: 12 hours
50 Miler: Runners will be required to start the fourth loop by 4:00 pm (10 hours elapsed). If you cannot start loop four by the hard cutoff, you will be directed to return to the start/finish to receive your marathon medal. Runners starting loop four must have a headlamp. No exceptions.

NOTE: If you cannot complete your registered distance, you can still receive a medal. The marathon can drop after one loop to the half marathon and still receive a medal. The 50-miler can drop after one loop to receive a half marathon medal or two loops to receive a marathon medal. If you drop after three loops, you will still only receive a marathon medal. There are no drops for the 5k or half marathon.

DROP BAGS: Drop bags for the 50 Miler will be located at the out-and-back/airstrip connector hydration station (accessible at the end of Loops 1, 2, and 3—approximately miles 13, 25, and 37).

CREW: Crew access is strictly limited to the out-and-back/airstrip connector hydration station. Crew support is permitted exclusively for 50-mile participants; no personal crew access is available for the 5K, Half Marathon, or Marathon distances. Because Giant City State Park has limited parking and narrow access roads, crew access is prohibited at all remote aid stations, trail crossings, and service roads along the course. (Pro tip for spectators: you can walk to a half mile to aid station #3 on Giant City Road from the start/finish to cheer on your runner. Approximately mile 8.75, 21, 33.25, and 45.5. Bring a chair, but no outside assistance allowed.)

SWAG: Each participant will receive a swag bag full of goodies, with the option to receive a t-shirt for a $12 add-on. The t-shirt is 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.) Registrations for distances of half marathon and further will receive a Red Cedar coffee mug! 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 match $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.