Gorgeous paved paths, stunning views and rolling country roads make the Rend Lake Marathon 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 …
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Gorgeous paved paths, stunning views and rolling country roads make the Rend Lake Marathon 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 the 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 at the stunning North Marcum Beach area and pass the new Rend Lake Mountain Bike Trails and Archery areas before returning to the Rend Lake Golf Course for the spectacular finish.
The Marathon course will be a Boston 2023 Qualifier. Official USATF Certificate is pending.
We can’t wait to see you finish your next great adventure with us!
Marathon
The Marathon Course will be a single loop encompassing the southern portion of Rend Lake and picturesque views of Lake Hamilton and Lake Benton.
Half Marathon
The Half Marathon Course will begin near the Rend Lake Dam and shortly after the start follow the last 13 miles of the Marathon Course.
Quarter Marathon
The Quarter Marathon Course will be a lollipop course starting near the finish and joining the Marathon Course for the last 4 miles.
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Early year inaugural Rend Lake
Ran the half; first in 5+ years. Check-in was easy, great venue. Beautiful area is a great location for a marathon. Awesome views of one of Southern Illinois' best lakes … MORE
Ran the half; first in 5+ years. Check-in was easy, great venue. Beautiful area is a great location for a marathon. Awesome views of one of Southern Illinois’ best lakes along most of the full route. I only did the half, so didn’t get to run across the causeway.
March in Illinois is hit or miss with the weather and 2022 was cold and WINDY. The beginning of the half was a bitter cold headwind that sapped a lot of energy.
A couple of things could be improved: better/more frequent aid stations, especially in the 3rd quarter when people tend to hit the wall. Also, there’s a low water crossing that isn’t dangerous at all, but getting your feet wet 2/3 of the way through a BQM (or any endurance run) is a bad idea.