Red Cedar Trail Half Marathon and 38k at Giant City State Park

🏃‍♂️ Race Overview

• Location: Giant City State Park, 2025-05-24, Giant City Lodge Rd, Makanda, IL.
• Website: Red Cedar Trail Half Marathon
• Terrain: Mostly single track with gravel road connectors, horse trails, fields, and less than a mile of paved road connectors.
• Difficulty: Technical and runnable sections with over 1500 feet of elevation gain (one loop).

🎉 New for 2025

• Course Update: A second loop has been added for twice the distance and twice the fun!
• Teen Incentive: Capped at a $40 entry for half marathon participation.
• T-Shirt Policy: Optional add-on for the t-shirt, with extras available at packet pick-up (first come, first served).
• Footwear Caution: Expect possible creek crossings that may wet your feet!

📍 Course Details

• Start Location: Pavilion 5. Start/Finish GPS
• Packet Pickup: 6-6:45 am on race day: Early pickup on 5-6 pm at Pavilion 5.
• Trail Navigation: Course marked with ribbons, arrows, and directional signs to handle open course and casual hikers/riders.
• Safety Reminder: Be courteous and announce your presence while approaching others on the trail.

💧 Hydration and Aid Stations

• Aid Stations: 2 well-stocked aid stations and 1 water station.
• Self-Sufficiency: Be prepared for up to an hour between aid stations.
• Cupless Race: No cups will be provided: bring your own hydration system.
• Equipment Reminder: Ensure you are equipped for a cupless race environment.

🎁 Participant Perks

• SWAG Bag: Every participant receives a swag bag, with an optional t-shirt for a $10 add-on.
• Finisher Rewards: Each finisher will receive a medal and a beer (must be 21+): non-alcoholic options available.
• Shirt Deadline: Last day for guaranteed shirt is April 20th.
• Post-Race Meal: Dining options available at Giant City Lodge, famous for fried chicken!

🏕️ Accommodations

• Cabins: Giant City Lodge offers cabins for rent, book early due to busy May.
• Camping Options: Electric and primitive camping available along the race course.
• Nearby Hotels: Carbondale is only 15-20 minutes away, with many BnB options as well.
• Contact Info: Call the lodge at (618) 457-4921 for rental inquiries.