Cactus Classic Trail Races

Saturday, March 9, 2024 Past event
8:00 AM CST
Mt Vernon, Illinois
3 races
10km

Event summary

Get ready for an exhilarating day of outdoor adventure at the Cactus Classic Trail Races on Saturday, March 9, 2024, in the beautiful Mt. Vernon, Jefferson area. This exciting event features three race distances: a full marathon (26.2 miles), a half marathon (13.1 miles), and a 10K, all set against the stunning backdrop of Sand Ridge State Forest. As you navigate the sandy trails lined with wild cacti, you'll experience a unique running environment reminiscent of the beach, with a mix of flat and rolling sections that promise to challenge and delight both seasoned runners and newcomers alike.

Race day kicks off early with packet pickup from 6:45 AM to 7:50 AM, leading up to the 8 AM start. Be sure to register by February 18th to guarantee your event shirt or hoodie, as supplies will be limited on race day. With plenty of parking available at the Oak Campground, it's time to lace up your running shoes and embrace the thrill of the Cactus Classic Trail Races! Join us for a memorable day filled with fitness, fun, and the beauty of nature.

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Races

  • Marathon

    8:00 AM CST

    Entries closed
  • Half

    8:00 AM CST

    Entries closed
  • 10k

    8:00 AM CST

    Entries closed

Organiser's description

CACTUS CLASSIC 26.2M, 13,1M, AND 10K https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=112487

Sand Ridge State Forest, Manito, IL

25799 E. Co. Rd. 2300 N., P.O. Box 111, Forest City, IL 61532

Course
This course runs through the pine forests of Sand Ridge State Forest. It begins and ends at the "Oak Campground". The trail has many flat runable section with several rolling sections. The trails themselves consist of loose sandy soil for which the park is named. Running these trails is similar to running on a beach. This race is named for the variety of cactus which grows wild throughout the park. Keep your eyes open and you should be able to spot them.

Packet Pickup and Race Day
Packet pickup is available race morning from 6:45AM to 7:50AM (race starts at 8am). Parking is in the Oak Camp area and overflow parking is along Cactus Drive. if you decide not to run please let us know. Any drop downs in distance need to be done before the start of the race in order to not count as a DNF!

Swag
To be guaranteed a shirt or hoodie, you MUST register by February 18th! We will have a few of each size available on race day on a first come, first serve basis, but once they're gone, they're gone!

Map to Race Start and Parking
Please use the link below for a Google map pin to our starting/parking/packet pickup/finish area

https://goo.gl/maps/kxaF3cphnF22 https://www.google.com/maps/@40.4049444,-89.8642778,382m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu

Location

Unnamed Road, Oak Camp Ground, Topeka, 61532, IL, United States

Event data

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