Long before paved roads, timing mats, and Strava segments, there was the Piasa—a mythical winged beast spoken of out of fear and reverence. In the Illiniwek (Algonquian) language, the Piasa (pronounced PIE-uh-saw) is often translated as “the bird that devours humans.” It is said to have dwelled in the cliffs near the confluence of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois rivers, preying silently within the dark woods on its unsuspecting victims.

The Piasa race borrows that spirit. These trails do not relent until there is nothing left to give.

Set deep within the rugged bluffs and forested ravines of Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton, IL, the Piasa Trail Races are a confrontation between runner and terrain, legend and legendary. Short climbs don’t exist here. The footing is technical. The descents demand focus. The course lures you in with its beauty, then tests whether you can sustain long enough to enjoy it!

Inagural Race is 5/16/26 with 3 distances, 12.5k, 25k and 50k!