HalfRuns
Rend Lake Marathon

Rend Lake Marathon

Rend Lake Half-Marathon offers scenic lake views and country roads in southern Illinois.

Race Date

Mar 27, 2027

Location

Benton, IL

Solid Pick50

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, March 27, 2027
Location
Benton, Illinois
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 6.55 Miles
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
375

Highlights

Good For

Destination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityGreat SwagWell Organized

Course

Scenic Route

The Experience

The Rend Lake Half-Marathon winds through a picturesque natural haven in southern Illinois, showcasing the expansive 18,900-acre Rend Lake. Runners will experience stunning panoramic views as they traverse paved paths and rolling country roads, passing key landmarks like South Sandusky Beach, the Marina, and the Rend Lake Visitors Center.

The course offers a unique perspective, taking participants across the lake for breathtaking vistas before connecting to a bike path that winds through beautiful scenery, including Lake Hamilton and Lake Benton. The race culminates at the scenic North Marcum Beach.

With a median field size of approximately 119 finishers and drawing participants from around 11 states, this event, first run in 2022, provides a memorable race-day adventure amidst the natural beauty of Rend Lake.

Race-provided description

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!

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, March 27, 2027

Start Time

9:30 AM

Giveaway

Unisex Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Start Location

North Marcum Beach, Benton, IL, 62812

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Lake River, Rural

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Rolling Hills

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

26.2 Miles6.55 Miles

Quality Score

Solid Pick50
Methodology
Heritage8/20

4 years running

Size10/15

~119 finishers a year

Momentum2/5

shrinking

Loyalty9/20

9% returning runners

Course & details5/15

5 timing sources

National draw6/10

runners from 11 states

Front-pack speed1/5

winner 1:26:14

Weather8/10

typical high 63°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

44°

Afternoon (High)

63°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.2"

Precipitation

14 mph

Wind

63%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 375 finishers actually crossed the line across 4 years.

Most recent

2026

Total finishers

375

Median time

2:15:21

Latest turnout

119

States

21

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:25p50 median ≈ 2:154:10

Turnout by year

2022–2026

'22'23'25'26
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Rend Lake Marathon?

The Rend Lake Marathon is held on Saturday, March 27, 2027, starting at 9:30 AM.

Where does the Rend Lake Marathon take place?

It takes place in Benton, Illinois.

What distances does the Rend Lake Marathon offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 6.55 Miles.

Is the Rend Lake Marathon course flat and good for a PR?

The Rend Lake Marathon is a rolling hills, loop course course.

How many people run the Rend Lake Marathon?

HalfRuns has finish records for 375 runners who have completed the Rend Lake Marathon.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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