Cactus Classic Trail Races
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Event
The Cactus Classic Trail Races take place on March 7, 2026, at Sand Ridge State Forest in Manito, Illinois. This is the 16th anniversary of the event, which began in 2010. Distances offered include:
- Marathon
- 1/2 Marathon
- 10K
Registration closes on February 28. To be guaranteed a shirt or hoodie, registration must be completed by February 21. Entries made after February 21 through race day do not include a shirt or hoodie and have reduced pricing.
Course and logistics
The course runs through the pine forests of Sand Ridge State Forest and begins and ends at the Oak Campground. Trails consist of loose sandy soil and include many flat, runnable sections with several rolling sections. The park contains wild cactus, which gives the race its name.
Packet pickup is available race morning. Parking is in the Oak Camp area, with overflow parking along Cactus Drive. Any drop down in distance must be made before the start of the race to avoid being recorded as a DNF. A Google map pin is provided for the start/parking/packet pickup/finish area. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.