The Rend Lake Marathon, Half-Marathon and Quarter-Marathon Gorgeous paved paths, stunning views and rolling country roads make this course the Marathon to remember! Rend Lake, IL, located in the heart of southern Illinois, is a natural haven for wildlife and a recreational haven for visitors. Rend Lake consists of 18,900 acres of water and 20,000 acres of land. Campers will delight in the nearly 800 sites found in 5 public campgrounds on Rend Lake. Boaters are provided access to the lake through the numerous boat ramps. Beaches, picnic sites and trails provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor fun. The course then will take you across the lake for one of the best panoramic views in Illinois, before connecting to the bike path which passes South Sandusky Beach, the Marina, Rend Lake Visitors Center, the amazing spillway and dozens of other spectacular views of Rend Lake. From there you will continue on country roads winding through beautiful vistas including both Lake Hamilton and Lake Benton. Finally you will get back on the bike path and end at the stunning North Marcum Beach. We can't wait to see you finish your next great adventure with us!
Marathon Awards There will be finisher medals for all events. Top 3 Overall Males and Top 3 Overall Females ($200 for 1st, $100 for 2nd, Free entry to 2027 for 1st, 2nd and 3rd) Top 3 Males and Top 3 Females in the following age groups 0-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70+ Half Marathon Awards Top 3 Overall Males and Top 3 Overall Females ($100 for 1st, $50 for 2nd, Free entry to 2027 for 1st, 2nd and 3rd) Top 3 Males and Top 3 Females in the following age groups 0-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-5
Each race has its own finishers medal. The medals have a magnetic side to connect the medals to each other.
26.2 Miles: T-Shirt
13.1 Miles: T-Shirt
6.55 Miles: T-Shirt
| Distance | Price | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26.2 Miles | $100.00 | May 1 | Oct 2 |
| $115.00 | Oct 2 | Mar 28 | |
| 13.1 Miles | $70.00 | May 1 | Oct 2 |
| $80.00 | Oct 2 | Mar 28 | |
| 6.55 Miles | $50.00 | May 1 | Mar 29 |
Sign up by March 11, 2026 to guarantee a race shirt.
| Year | Finishers | Median Time | Fastest Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 28 | 1:15:22 | 54:31 |
| 2024 | 28 | 1:03:04 | 48:55 |
| 2023 | 29 | 1:08:52 | 47:19 |
| Year | Finishers | Median Time | Fastest Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 63 | 4:38:14 | 3:15:46 |
| 2024 | 53 | 4:31:49 | 2:59:22 |
| 2023 |
Interested in this race?
Click for fb Rend Lake Marathon Friday March 27 Packet Pick Up Seasons Restaurant at Rend Lake Golf Course 12476 Golf Course Rd Whittington, IL 62897 5pm to 7pm Saturday March 28 6:30 AM Packet Pickup at North Marcum Beach. 8:00am Buses Leave For Marathon Start 8:30 AM Marathon Start 8:45 AM Buses leave for Half Marathon Start 9:30 AM Half Marathon Start 9:30 AM Quarter Marathon Start Awards will be given as you finish. Check awards table. 3:30 PM All races closed
| 88 |
| 4:46:05 |
| 3:00:08 |
| Year | Finishers | Median Time | Fastest Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 74 | 2:22:57 | 1:26:25 |
| 2024 | 75 | 2:13:12 | 1:26:08 |
| 2023 | 107 | 2:10:12 | 1:31:58 |