Rend Lake Marathon
Rend Lake Marathon is a southern Illinois road marathon with lake views, paved path sections, rolling roads, and Boston-qualifier eligibility.
Every link above goes to the race, its timing provider, or an official registration partner. Last checked July 24, 2026.
Quick facts
- Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Barren Township, Illinois
- USATF-certified marathon course
- Paved paths, a lake crossing, and rolling country-road miles
- North Marcum Beach serves as the race-day hub
- Marathon, half marathon, and quarter marathon share race day
2027 Rend Lake Marathon registration
Registration for the 2027 Rend Lake Marathon runs through the official registration page at runsignup.com.
About the Rend Lake Marathon
Rend Lake feels more like a regional destination run than a downtown festival. The race uses the lake, beaches, and surrounding roads as the draw, which makes it appealing to runners who want scenery without giving up a legitimate marathon setup.
Course
Paved bike path miles, a lake crossing with broad views, and rolling country roads all feed back toward North Marcum Beach. It is certified and runnable, but not sterile. The route has enough variation to stay interesting without turning into a gimmick.
Race-day weather
Southern Illinois in late March usually means a cool start with unpredictable wind around the water. If the air stays calm, the course should feel fair. If it does not, the exposed bridge and shoreline sections become part of the day.
Past Rend Lake Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Saturday, March 27, 2027 | Upcoming | — |
| 2026 | Saturday, March 28, 2026 | Completed | Open results |
| 2025 | Saturday, March 29, 2025 | Completed | Open results |
Ran this race?
Share your race experience
Your firsthand experience can help future runners understand the course, logistics, and race-day atmosphere. A short report takes about two minutes.
Rend Lake Marathon FAQ
When is the Rend Lake Marathon?
The 2027 Rend Lake Marathon is on Saturday, March 27, 2027.
How do I register for the Rend Lake Marathon?
Register for the Rend Lake Marathon through the official registration link: marathonscout.com/go/rend-lake-marathon/register. It opens the race registration page at runsignup.com.
Can I use the Rend Lake Marathon for Boston qualifying?
Marathon Scout marks the Rend Lake Marathon as a Boston qualifier. Check the current Boston qualifying times and confirm current certification with the race before registering.
Featured collections
Race organizer or timing partner?Send an official race update
Send us confirmed dates, registration links, results, live tracking, or course changes. Include the source link so runners can reach the right information.