SPRINGFIELD – Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site will host the City of the Sun 5K trail run at 9 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. The course will wind through woodlands and grasslands, including portions of Cahokia Mounds seldom seen by visitors.
The race will take place rain or shine and will only be canceled in the event of lightning. The course is mostly level but includes sidewalks, gravel, grass and dirt trails that may be wet or muddy.
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Registration fees are $30 through Oct. 1, $35 beginning Oct. 2, or $50 for two participants. Registration forms are available at the interpretive center and online at cahokiamounds.org/5k2026. Proceeds benefit programs at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site.
Race packets may be picked up from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 6-7 at the interpretive center gift shop or beginning at 8 a.m. on race day in the interpretive center lobby. Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in each division. Age divisions for men and women are 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 and older. Children are welcome to participate, but strollers are not permitted. Timing will be provided by Toolen’s Running Start.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, is located at 30 Ramey St. in Collinsville. The grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk. The interpretive center exhibits and gallery are closed for renovations. Restrooms and a water fountain are available at the Monks Mound parking lot. Dogs are welcome but must remain on a leash.
For more information, call 618-346-5160 or visit Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site.
About IDNR
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources was established in 1925 as the Illinois Department of Conservation, bringing under one umbrella oversight of fish and game, forestry, public works, and lakes. Today, IDNR’s work encompasses management of about 400 sites across Illinois, including state parks and historic sites; wildlife, fisheries, forestry, and natural heritage; Lake Michigan water allocation and coastal management; conservation police; mines and minerals; oil and gas; issuance of licenses, permits, and numerous grants; the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta; and the Illinois State Museum. Visit https://dnr.illinois.gov and follow us on Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.
