Red Cedar Trail Races at Giant City State Park 2026 — Makanda, IL

Date
May 30, 2026
Location
Makanda, IL
Venue
Giant City Lodge Rd
Start Time
7:00 AM
Entry Fee
$15.00 – $85.00
Events
Taste of Red Cedar 5k, Red Cedar Trail 1/2 Marathon, Red Cedar Trail 40k
Includes
Shirt
View Registration

The Red Cedar Trail Races at Giant City State Park takes place in Makanda, Illinois on May 30, 2026, at Giant City Lodge Rd. The event offers three distances: a 13.6-mile option for experienced trail runners, a 5-mile race, and a 5K, giving athletes multiple ways to engage with the course. The typical start time is 7:00 AM. Entry fees range from $15 to $85 depending on the distance selected. This trail-running event welcomes endurance athletes of varying abilities and is well-suited for those training for longer trail objectives or looking to test themselves on established park terrain.

From the Race Organizer
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 (heavy) ½ marathon and 40k 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! 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 who wish to forgo a race shirt. (If you change your mind, there should be some extra at packet pick

Hotels Near This Race

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Red Cedar Trail Races at Giant City State Park 2026 — Makanda, IL

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Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for May 30.

You've trained for months and booked a trip to Makanda, IL. A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing. Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it, and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run 5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no additional coverage needed.

  • Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
  • Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
  • Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support
Get a Quote — Faye Travel Insurance

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Coverage terms vary by state and plan. Review policy details before purchase.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is Red Cedar Trail Races at Giant City State Park 2026 — Makanda, IL?

Red Cedar Trail Races at Giant City State Park 2026 — Makanda, IL takes place on May 30, 2026. The race is held in Makanda, Illinois.

Where is Red Cedar Trail Races at Giant City State Park 2026 — Makanda, IL held?

Red Cedar Trail Races at Giant City State Park 2026 — Makanda, IL is held at Giant City Lodge Rd in Makanda, Illinois.

Where can I find hotels near Red Cedar Trail Races at Giant City State Park 2026 — Makanda, IL?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Makanda. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.