Nestled in the Shawnee National Forest, Giant City State Park is a premier destination for hiking, lodging, and camping in southern Illinois. We are now proud to offer a premier trail ½ marathon majorly utilizing the Red Cedar Trail. The course will consist of mostly 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 1500 feet of elevation gain (one half marathon loop). Also, expect the possibility of getting your feet wet in several creek crossings, rain dependent! As an incentive to our teen and cross country runners, they will be capped at a $40 entry to the half marathon. We want to encourage our youth to run the trails in southern Illinois. Also, the t-shirt is now an add-on instead of an automatic upcharge for those that 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 2026: For anyone not yet ready for the half marathon, you can get a taste of the trail with a new 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.
NEW FOR 2025: A second loop has been added to bring twice the distance, and twice the fun!
The 2026 course starts at Pavilion 5 for all events. Start/Finish GPS Packet pickup will be at 6-6:45 am the day of the event. Early packet pickup will be 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 on the course, and 1 water station for the half marathon. 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.
SWAG: Each participant will receive a swag bag full of goodies, with the option to receive a t-shirt for a $10 add-on. Each finisher will receive a medal and a beer from the air-conditioned lodge! (Must be 21 years-of-age or older) You may also select a non-alcoholic beverage. LAST DAY FOR GUARANTEED SHIRT IS APRIL 20TH.
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. May is a busy month, so call and book early! (618) 457-4921 Located along the race course, Giant City State Park also has electric and primitive camping options. If a hotel is more your style, Carbondale is only 15-20 minutes away. Also located nearby are many BnB options.
