

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
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
Atmosphere
Course
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
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
Course Map
3 other maps for this race
Quality Score
Solid Pick504 years running
~119 finishers a year
shrinking
9% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 11 states
winner 1:26:14
typical high 63°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (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
Turnout by year
2022–2026
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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